U.S. and Pakistan Implement Deportation Threats Against Afghan Migrants

Both the U.S. and Pakistan are threatening Afghan migrants with deportation. The U.S. plans to revoke temporary protections for thousands of Afghans, while Pakistan is enforcing a crackdown on Afghan refugees, demanding they leave or face arrest. These nations are contributing to the dire prospects for Afghans amid fears of Taliban rule.

In recent developments, both the United States and Pakistan have moved to threaten the deportation of Afghan migrants. In the U.S., the Trump administration has announced the termination of temporary deportation protections for approximately 14,600 Afghans, effective May. This decision is part of a broader crackdown on immigration as President Trump aims to enforce stricter measures against undocumented migrants.

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which provides protection to individuals from countries suffering from crises, will no longer apply to many Afghans and others from Cameroon, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This program allows eligible individuals to stay in the country temporarily and access work permits, lasting between 6 to 18 months.

Furthermore, in Pakistan, the government has begun to expel Afghans, demanding they leave or face arrest and deportation. Islamabad plans to deport up to 800,000 Afghan individuals after revoking their residency permits, having already deported a similar number earlier this year. A significant number of Afghans are currently fleeing to avoid detention, with many taking transport to the border with Afghanistan.

Public sentiment within Pakistan largely supports these deportations, as there is an association of rising violence with Afghan migrants. The government’s narrative has been that they can no longer sustain a large influx of Afghan refugees, a sentiment echoed by members of the public and government officials alike. However, analysts argue the timing of these deportations is influenced by political relations with the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, suggesting a strategy to exert pressure on Kabul.

The situation for Afghan migrants in the U.S. and Pakistan is dire, with both nations taking steps to enforce deportation policies that jeopardize the safety of many. The revocation of Temporary Protected Status in the U.S. and the ongoing deportations in Pakistan reflect significant political pressures and humanitarian concerns, as these individuals risk returning to Taliban rule and potential persecution. Policymakers must consider the implications of these actions on human rights and regional stability.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au