Mon Jan 27 05:17:23 UTC 2025: ## Trump’s Refugee Freeze Leaves Thousands of Afghans in Limbo

**Islamabad, Pakistan –** The reinstatement of a Trump-era executive order halting the U.S. refugee program has left thousands of Afghans, many of whom worked alongside American forces, stranded in limbo. The order, which went into effect on January 27th, 2025, freezes the relocation of approximately 10,000 Afghans already approved for entry, according to the non-profit #AfghanEvac. Tens of thousands more applications are also on hold.

Among those affected is Zahra, a 27-year-old former Afghan Defence Ministry worker who was days away from evacuation to the U.S. when the order was implemented. She has spent three years navigating the application process in Pakistan, only to see her hopes dashed. Zahra’s plight reflects the experiences of countless Afghans who fear for their safety under the Taliban regime.

The freeze impacts a wide range of applicants, including former Afghan soldiers, employees of the U.S.-backed government, and their families. Women face particularly dire circumstances, with the Taliban government imposing severe restrictions on their education, employment, and public life. The European Court of Justice has already recognized Afghan women as having a right to refugee status in the EU due to the Taliban’s persecution.

Pakistan, where many Afghans have gathered to process their applications, is also facing pressure. The country’s Foreign Ministry has voiced concern over the large number of Afghans awaiting relocation, and a recent campaign to evict undocumented Afghans has added to their hardship. A spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated that the Trump administration has not yet communicated any new refugee policy to Pakistan.

Despite the Taliban’s claims of amnesty, reports of human rights abuses, including summary executions and enforced disappearances, persist. Many Afghans express a profound fear of returning home, citing a lack of safety, peace, and opportunity. The situation underscores the urgent humanitarian crisis facing these individuals and raises questions about the U.S.’s responsibility towards those who assisted its efforts in Afghanistan. The long-term implications of this freeze and the lack of clear communication from the U.S. government remain a major source of concern for those affected.

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