Urgent Action Required: Trump’s Travel Ban Poses Risk to Afghan Allies

Following President Trump’s travel ban, thousands of Afghan allies, who aided U.S. forces, face uncertainty. Organizations like No One Left Behind are urgently working to evacuate these individuals before new restrictions may be imposed. The situation is critical as many continue to await passage to the U.S. amid heightened risks of Taliban retribution.

In light of President Trump’s travel ban, the fate of numerous Afghan allies who assisted U.S. forces is uncertain. Veterans and the nonprofit organization No One Left Behind are working diligently to evacuate these individuals before new restrictions are implemented. The urgency stems from an executive order instituted by Mr. Trump, which aims to compile a list of countries from which entry into the U.S. might be limited due to insufficient vetting.

The outcome of this order has prompted veterans to raise considerable funds and arrange travel for Afghan allies, many of whom have been waiting in neighboring countries for passage to the U.S. The U.S. military managed to evacuate around 78,000 individuals during the chaotic exit from Afghanistan, yet many others remain stranded and vulnerable. Afghan locals can apply for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), which grant them and their families the right to enter and reside in the U.S.

President Trump’s previous restrictions, notably the ban on nationals from seven Muslim-majority nations, may be expanded to include Afghanistan and potentially other nations like Cuba and Venezuela. If included in a new travel ban, the status of these Afghan allies could worsen significantly, leaving them at risk of Taliban retaliation.

When the administration curtailed refugee resettlement funding, Afghan allies found themselves facing insurmountable costs for travel that had previously been covered. Many were left to secure transportation financially on their own, a burden that many could not bear. The advocacy group No One Left Behind quickly shifted its focus to fundraising, providing crucial financial support to assist these families in their journeys.

With approximately 37,000 SIVs awarded since the program’s inception in 2009, many Afghans are under threat from the Taliban for their association with U.S. forces. At the time of the executive orders, there were nearly 1,000 Afghan allies ready to travel, forming a pressing concern regarding their safety and future.

Veterans and supportive citizens are encouraged to take action, as recent congressional letters emphasized concerns over the dire consequences for Afghan allies awaiting relocation. Despite the hurdles, organizations like No One Left Behind continue to assist these individuals, securing temporary accommodations and aiding in their adjustment to life in the U.S.

Finally, as evidenced by the experiences of Afghan families arriving in the U.S., their optimism remains strong, with a commitment to establish new lives once they receive the necessary support.

The potential impact of President Trump’s travel ban threatens the safety and future of countless Afghan allies who aided U.S. efforts in Afghanistan. The swift actions of veterans and nonprofit organizations reflect a growing commitment to ensure these individuals are brought to safety before restrictions take effect. Continuous support and funding are essential for the successful relocation and integration of Afghan allies into American society.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com