Afghans in the U. S. Face Uncertainty Amid Immigration Crackdown
Afghans living in the United States are feeling anxious and stressed due to recent events that led to stricter immigration rules. A man from Afghanistan was accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House. Following this incident, the Trump administration began tightening immigration policies for Afghans.
Widespread Concern Across the Country
In different parts of the country, Afghans are worried about the potential impact on their lives:
- Florida: A former Afghan soldier fears his community might be unfairly targeted.
- Portland: An Afghan father working as a ride-share driver is now quiet around passengers, afraid of backlash.
- Washington, D.C.: An Afghan scholar warns against judging all Afghans based on one person's actions.
Condemnation and Uncertainty
Afghans in the U.S. condemn the shooting but believe it is wrong to punish an entire community for one person's actions. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister also stated that the shooting was an individual act and not connected to Afghanistan or its people.
Changes in Immigration Policy
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has stopped making decisions on asylum applications from 19 countries, including Afghanistan. This change came after the suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was identified as an Afghan asylee. Lakanwal came to the U.S. under the Biden administration’s emergency resettlement effort and was granted asylum in April during the Trump administration.
Review of Immigration Benefits
Trump administration officials blame Biden-era policies for allowing Lakanwal into the country. They are now reviewing all immigration benefits granted by the Biden administration to people from countries considered high risk. The administration is also re-examining all green cards granted to people from these countries.
Uncertain Future for Afghans in the U.S.
More than 190,000 Afghans have been resettled in the country since 2021. Many are worried about their future and the future of their families. An Afghan father in Portland, who is a green-card holder, fears his legal status might be in jeopardy. He came to the U.S. last year on a Special Immigrant Visa and now works as a ride-share driver while studying to become a doctor.
Work Authorizations and Legal Status
Afghans in the U.S. are also concerned about their work authorizations, which are tied to their legal immigration status. Renewals are among the immigration requests being halted indefinitely. An Afghan scholar at George Washington University emphasized that Afghans in the U.S. are overwhelmingly law-abiding despite facing serious challenges.
Fear of Targeting
In Florida, an Afghan national with a green card said his community fears being targeted by immigration officials. He served as a member of an elite military unit of Afghans known as the National Mine Reduction Group. He expressed horror at learning that an Afghan who had also worked with U.S. forces was suspected of shooting the two National Guards members.
