US and Pakistan Intensify Deportation Threats Against Afghan Migrants

Afghan migrants in the U.S. and Pakistan are facing heightened threats of deportation as the Trump administration retracts temporary protections and Pakistan intensifies its crackdown on Afghan refugees. Approximately 14,600 Afghans in the U.S. will lose their protections, while Pakistan seeks to deport about 800,000 Afghans, amid calls for humane treatment and concerns over potential risks from the Taliban.

Tensions have escalated for Afghan migrants residing in the United States and Pakistan, with each country tightening its stance on deportations. The Trump administration has officially ended temporary deportation protections for approximately 14,600 Afghans, marking a significant transition in U.S. immigration policy amid broader efforts to diminish illegal immigration.

In Pakistan, the government is advancing a crackdown on Afghan refugees, prompting thousands to face enforced departure or potential arrest. Citing public support, the Pakistani government aims to deport 800,000 Afghans following the revocation of their residence permits, which has already seen around 800,000 undocumented migrants leave since the start of 2023.

The ongoing deportation policies in both nations threaten to place Afghan nationals back under Taliban rule. In the U.S., DHS officials confirmed some migrants have had their temporary protections revoked, while in Pakistan, Afghans must decide between returning voluntarily or risking detention and deportation.

Amid the crisis, reports indicate that a considerable number of Afghans are choosing to depart voluntarily, driven by the fear of humiliation during potential arrests. Community leaders express concern, as those preparing to return confront significant risks of persecution and dire economic conditions back home in Afghanistan.

The political climate further complicates matters, as many in Pakistan support the departures, attributing rising violence to Afghan elements. Critics argue that these deportations appear to be politically motivated, reflecting Islamabad’s strained relations with the Taliban following their resurgence in power in 2021. Calls for a more humane approach have surfaced, suggesting that deportations should be gradual and voluntary, rather than forced.

The dual challenges faced by Afghan migrants in the U.S. and Pakistan highlight a troubling intersection of immigration policy and geopolitical relations. With the revocation of temporary protections in the U.S. and a strong push for deportations in Pakistan, Afghans are at significant risk of returning to an unstable and dangerous environment. Critics advocate for a more compassionate approach, stressing the need for protections against the Taliban and economic turmoil.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au