Afghans in the US lose temporary deportation protections, while Pakistan intensifies deportation efforts against Afghan refugees. The potential for their return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan raises serious humanitarian concerns. Both US and Pakistani actions reflect political motives amid rising tensions and public sentiments against Afghan migrants.
Afghans in both the United States and Pakistan are now facing the daunting prospect of deportation to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The Trump administration has announced the termination of temporary deportation protections for approximately 14,600 Afghans in the United States, reflecting a broader crackdown on immigrants. This decision has been described as part of a sustained effort to portray migrants negatively, calling into question their legal protections and status.
In Pakistan, the second phase of a crackdown on Afghan refugees has intensified, as the government urges Afghan migrants to return to Afghanistan or face arrest and deportation. Islamabad has plans to deport 800,000 Afghans following the cancellation of their residence permits, emphasizing a widespread sentiment among the Pakistani public demanding the departure of Afghan migrants. Reports indicate that thousands are fleeing to the Afghan border, fearing imminent arrest.
The United Nations refugee agency has reported that over 24,665 Afghans have exited Pakistan since early April, with nearly half deported. Community leaders from Afghan informal settlements have noted the increasing number of families departing voluntarily, driven by the fear of being forcibly removed. Human rights organizations have condemned the tactics employed to pressure these migrants, highlighting the severe risks they face upon return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The growing support for deportation within Pakistan is informed by a narrative that associates Afghan migrants with terrorism and rising violence, with public figures echoing government sentiments against prolonged Afghan residency. Analysts suggest that these deportations serve political purposes, reflecting deteriorating relations between Pakistan and the Taliban, rather than being purely a humanitarian or legal necessity. Responsibility to treat deportations humanely has been called into question by former officials, advocating for a more gradual and voluntary approach to the repatriation of Afghan migrants.
In summary, Afghan migrants in the United States and Pakistan face imminent deportation, with significant policy changes under the Trump administration stripping them of legal protections. Concurrently, Pakistan’s push to expel Afghans is both a reflection of public sentiment and a strategic political maneuver. Human rights concerns arise over the treatment and pressure faced by these individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for humane and lawful approaches to their repatriation amidst a dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
