\”When Ruqia Balkhi arrived in the United States in September 2023, a federally funded resettlement agency helped her start a new life. Balkhi, a 55-year-old engineer, had worked alongside the US military in Afghanistan, but had to flee due to the Taliban’s rise to power. Her initial 90 days in the US were supported with temporary housing, language lessons, basic necessities, mental health assistance, and help enrolling her son in school. However, when her husband Mohammed Aref Mangal arrived in January under the same visa program, services had been stopped due to President Trump’s new restrictions on federal funding and immigration. Balkhi expressed concern for other Afghan immigrants facing similar challenges without the support she received.
Trump’s executive orders impacted various programs supporting Afghan immigrants, including the US Refugee Admissions Program and the Special Immigrant Visa program. The freeze on federal aid also affected services for those waiting abroad for relocation, leaving many vulnerable evacuees without necessary support. Refugee resettlement and relocation programs were suspended, closing off pathways for Afghans seeking refuge from the Taliban.
Despite broad support for resettling Afghans who aided US forces, Trump’s policies have created obstacles for these individuals. While some remain hopeful for future changes to support Afghan immigrants, others are skeptical due to the influence of immigration hardliners like Stephen Miller in the new administration. The fate of Afghan allies and refugees hangs in the balance as the impact of Trump’s orders becomes more apparent.\”