US and Pakistan’s Crackdown on Afghan Migrants: A Rising Threat of Deportation
Afghan migrants in the US and Pakistan face deportation as the Trump administration revokes Temporary Protected Status, affecting 14,600 individuals. Pakistan is implementing a deportation strategy targeting 800,000 Afghans, spurred by rising public support for these measures. Observers argue the political motivations behind the crackdowns highlight the deteriorating relations between Pakistan and the Taliban since their return to power.
Afghan migrants in the US and Pakistan are at risk of deportation as both countries implement crackdowns on irregular migration. The Trump administration has announced the termination of temporary deportation protections for approximately 14,600 Afghans in the US, citing a need to reinforce immigration laws. This policy shift is part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated under President Trump, prioritizing the removal of undocumented migrants.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is designed for individuals from countries experiencing disasters or conflicts, providing legal residency and work permits for 6-18 months. However, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem determined that conditions in Afghanistan were no longer dire enough to warrant TPS, leading to the revocation of protections for many Afghans. The department’s actions reflect a discretionary authority to enforce immigration controls more strictly.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the government is actively encouraging Afghan refugees to leave, threatening arrest and deportation for non-compliance. The Pakistani government aims to deport 800,000 Afghans, following an initial push that already saw an estimated 800,000 undocumented individuals return to Afghanistan since 2023. The UN reports that over 24,665 Afghans have exited Pakistan since April 1, 2023.
Public sentiment in Pakistan supports the deportation policy as rising violence related to Afghan nationals has fueled a backlash against refugees. The government has also articulated that it can no longer sustain such a large refugee population, with many residents echoing these sentiments. Analysts view this push as politically motivated, aimed at exerting pressure on the Taliban amid strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021. Advocate Maleeha Lodhi emphasizes that deportations should be carried out humanely and gradually, rather than abruptly forcing Afghans to return amidst ongoing turmoil.
Both the US and Pakistan are tightening immigration policies affecting Afghan migrants, prompting fears of deportation back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The termination of Temporary Protected Status in the US and the Pakistani government’s aggressive deportation strategy reflect evolving political landscapes and public sentiment regarding Afghan refugees. Humanitarian organizations warn of the risks faced by returning Afghans, underscoring the need for sensitive handling of these cases amid complex international relations.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
