Afghan Refugees Feel Abandoned as Trump Supporters Challenge New DHS Decision

Afghan Refugees Feel Abandoned as Trump Supporters Challenge New DHS Decision

A group that initially rallied for Donald Trump’s election is now expressing feelings of abandonment due to the recent withdrawal of legal protections for thousands of Afghan refugees in the United States. This revocation affects those living under Temporary Protected Status, known as TPS.

Zoubair Sangi, who leads the “Afghans for Trump” movement, emphasized that his community turned to Trump following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021. This decision left their homeland in a precarious state, with increasing danger due to Taliban rule.

As concerns grow, Sangi is now calling on the Trump administration to re-evaluate this significant decision. He stated, “The reality is that Afghanistan is not safe. Over the last three years, since the return of the Taliban, the country has been as dangerous as ever.”

Sangi criticized the Department of Homeland Security for its claims of an “improved security situation.” He believes these assertions do not reflect the reality faced by Afghan nationals.

The Taliban’s Terror and Its Implications for Afghan Lives

Sangi pointed out the threats posed by the Taliban, describing them as a terrorist organization. He stated, “They target anyone who disagrees with them – anyone who worked with the U.S. government or allied forces. Their lives are in grave danger.” This assessment highlights the perilous circumstances Afghan allies are currently enduring.

Furthermore, the conditions for women in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan are alarming. Sangi reported that women are not only banned from education but are also significantly restricted in their public life. He remarked, “They view women as subservient. They treat them worse than cattle. There is no freedom for ordinary Afghans. It’s a prison; people are essentially under house arrest, and they can’t escape.”

Amidst his frustrations, Sangi maintains support for Trump, pleading for action to be taken regarding this issue. He reflected, “We do have hope that any kind of mistake that is made specifically in regards to Afghanistan will be corrected.” This sentiment underscores a continued expectation for the administration to address the plight of Afghan refugees.

In a display of gratitude, Sangi recognized Trump’s refusal to acknowledge the Taliban and his decision to end foreign aid that might empower them. He urges Trump to refrain from engaging in negotiations with the Taliban, stating, “Engaging with them isn’t America First.”

DHS’s Decision and Its Far-reaching Effects

On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security officially terminated TPS for Afghan nationals, a move that could potentially force over 9,000 individuals back to Afghanistan. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem justified this action by citing an