Name: U.S. immigration pause blocks Afghan refugees path of hope
Uploaded: 2025-12-05T14:45:21.777Z
Duration: 2 min 44 s
Description: Afghans stranded in Pakistan while awaiting U.S. resettlement said that Washington’s decision to pause immigration applications has shattered their expectations of relocation and left them vulnerable to possible mass deportations by Islamabad.

Afghans stranded in Pakistan while awaiting U.S. resettlement said that Washington’s decision to pause immigration applications has shattered their expectations of relocation and left them vulnerable to possible mass deportations by Islamabad.

Islamabad

Afghan refugees in Pakistan, such as Fatima Ali Yamadi, are facing increased uncertainty after the U.S. government announced a pause on immigration applications from 19 countries, including Afghanistan. This move, coupled with Pakistan's order for undocumented foreigners to leave, has left thousands of Afghans stranded and fearful for their futures.

The U.S. embassy has suspended processing of green cards, citizenship petitions, and special immigrant visas, citing recent crimes involving immigrants. Afghan activists warn that deported refugees risk persecution and loss of rights if forced to return, and are urging the U.S. to reconsider the ban for those seeking safety.

U.S. immigration pause blocks Afghan refugees' 'path of hope'

Afghan refugee Fatima Ali Yamadi fled to Pakistan after the Taliban took control of her home country. She sheltered in Pakistan while awaiting approval to immigrate to the United States, where she hopes to rebuild a life away from fear and danger. I want to be an athlete and a journalist. It's impossible to Pakistan or Afghanistan. Now, Fatima and thousands of other Afghans stranded in Pakistan face uncertain futures. That is after a combination of a U.S. crackdown on immigration and the Pakistani government ordering undocumented foreigners to leave or face expulsion. The Trump administration announced earlier this week that it would pause all immigration applications from 19 countries already under a partial travel ban, including Afghanistan and Somalia. We don't want them. We don't want those people. We have enough problems. We don't want those people. The U.S. embassy places a hold on pending applications filed by immigrants, including processing of green cards, citizenship petitions and special immigrant visas. The order cited several recent crimes suspected to have been committed by immigrants, including the shooting of two National Guard members last month. Afghan journalist and human rights activist Ihsan Ullah Ahmadzai said the move has derailed years of waiting. The news was a shocking, traumatic blow to our hopes. For the Afghan community in Pakistan, already enduring immense hardship while waiting for U.S. cases, this process was our one path of hope, a chance for potential relief. Ahmadzai also said Afghans who were deported would live under scrutiny. These are seen as outsiders in Afghanistan for having cooperated with the international community and for their criticism of the government. There, they will be denied full rights, returning to a reality with no girls' education, no work and total censorship. It's a terrifying and hopeless situation. Amid deepening uncertainty, Fatima is urging the U.S. government to reconsider its ban. Afghan people like me are just looking for safety and a chance to rebuild our life. We accept war and danger. I ask the U.S. government to show compassion and protect people who need help.

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