US Refugee Status Slammed — Afghans in Chaos

Afghan refugees in the US now face the real threat of deportation back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, as protections erode and the risk of persecution grows.

Story Snapshot

• Afghan refugees in the US fear deportation as legal protections and support diminish under current policies.
• Over 1.9 million Afghans have already been forced back from Iran and Pakistan in 2025, highlighting the grave risks faced by returnees.
• UN agencies and human rights groups confirm Afghanistan remains extremely dangerous, especially for women, girls, and minorities.
• Recent US policy changes increase anxiety among Afghan refugees, with many losing financial and legal support.

Rising Fears Among Afghan Refugees in the United States

Afghan refugees who resettled in the United States after the 2021 fall of Kabul now find themselves in a precarious position. Amid significant changes in US immigration policy in 2025, many fear being forced back to Afghanistan—a nation still ruled by the Taliban and rife with human rights abuses. Refugees cite the dramatic deterioration of conditions for women, children, and minorities under Taliban rule, and they face the anxiety of possible deportation or loss of status as legal protections are rolled back. This anxiety is compounded by the mass forced returns of Afghans from neighboring countries, which serve as a stark warning of what could await those sent back.

In California and other states, policy changes have meant the loss of both legal protections and financial support for many Afghan refugees. These changes have left thousands unsure of their future and at risk of economic hardship. Many Afghans, including those who assisted the US military, now struggle to navigate a complex and less supportive legal landscape. Advocacy organizations report a surge in requests for legal assistance, while communities brace for possible family separations and long-term trauma. The reduction in support stands in sharp contrast to the urgent warnings from international bodies about the dangers facing those returning to Afghanistan.

International Condemnation of Forced Returns

UN experts and global human rights organizations have issued strong condemnations of the mass forced returns of Afghan nationals from Iran and Pakistan in 2025. More than 1.9 million Afghans have been sent back this year alone, despite clear evidence of violence, persecution, and deprivation awaiting them under Taliban rule. The United Nations and the International Criminal Court have called for an immediate halt to these deportations, emphasizing that Afghanistan is unsafe, especially for vulnerable groups like women, girls, and minorities. These developments underscore the grave risks for any Afghan refugee facing removal from the US.

The Taliban’s return to power has resulted in sweeping restrictions on civil society, freedom of expression, and the rights of women and minorities. Human rights monitoring agencies describe a systematic campaign of repression, including targeted violence against former government workers, activists, and those associated with Western organizations. These conditions have been repeatedly verified by UN agencies and independent journalists, leaving little doubt about the dangers faced by returnees. For Afghan refugees in the US, the global trend of forced returns amplifies their sense of vulnerability and the urgent need for continued protection.

Impact on Families, Communities, and US Policy

Refugees and their families in the US are experiencing increased psychological distress, social fragmentation, and uncertainty about their legal status. Economic hardship is mounting as support programs are scaled back or eliminated entirely. Afghan diaspora communities now face the likelihood of family separation and the loss of livelihoods if deportations proceed. Policy shifts have also placed new strains on local resettlement agencies, advocacy groups, and social service providers, many of which are struggling to keep up with the demand for legal aid and support. The debate over US immigration policy continues, with some lawmakers pushing for tighter controls and others advocating for renewed protections for vulnerable refugees.

Despite these challenges, US military veterans and advocacy groups have stepped in to support Afghan allies, attending asylum hearings and providing legal assistance. Their efforts reflect a deep sense of loyalty and responsibility to those who risked their lives alongside American troops. However, the overall power dynamic remains unfavorable for refugees, who are largely dependent on the decisions of policymakers in Washington. As Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community continues to urge the US to uphold its obligations to protect those at risk of persecution and violence.

Sources:

UN experts appalled by mass forced returns of Afghan nationals

4 years after Taliban took Kabul, millions of Afghans forced back to their country

Afghan refugees in California face new uncertainty as protections wane under Trump