Context:

Afghans in the U.S. who aided American forces fear deportation due to President Trump's policies ending temporary protections, such as TPS and humanitarian parole. Sayedyaqoob Qattali, an Afghan security commander, and his family faced a perilous journey across multiple countries before arriving in the U.S., only to face potential deportation despite seeking asylum. Muhammad Amiri, a former Afghan pilot trainee, expresses similar fears despite holding a green card, as the current political climate threatens their safety and stability. The end of protections like TPS has left many Afghans vulnerable, with politicians like Congressman Michael McCaul urging the administration to reconsider due to the life-threatening dangers faced by those returned to Afghanistan. Advocates argue for measures like the Afghan Adjustment Act to provide a path to permanent residency for those who risked their lives for the U.S., emphasizing the moral obligation to offer them safety and stability.

Dive Deeper:

• Sayedyaqoob Qattali, an Afghan security commander who aided U.S. forces, embarked on a dangerous journey through multiple countries before reaching the U.S., where he now fears deportation after President Trump's decision to end the CBP One function, despite having applied for asylum.

• Muhammad Amiri, a former Afghan air force pilot trainee, holds a green card but remains fearful of deportation as the political environment in the U.S. threatens to revoke his status, leaving him unable to visit his fiancée in Afghanistan out of fear of being barred from re-entry.

• The termination of temporary protected status (TPS) and humanitarian parole by the Trump administration has left approximately 200,000 Afghans in the U.S. at risk of deportation, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem citing Afghanistan's improved security conditions as justification.

• Khalil Yarzada, a former interpreter for U.S. forces, stresses the dangers faced by Afghans if returned, with the Taliban targeting those who aided American troops, leading to over 3,200 documented killings and disappearances of former Afghan military personnel and interpreters.

• Congressman Michael McCaul and other politicians have urged the administration to maintain protections for Afghans, warning of dire consequences for U.S. credibility and safety of wartime allies if these protections are revoked.

• The Afghan Adjustment Act, intended to streamline permanent residency for Afghans who aided U.S. forces, has failed to pass, leaving many Afghans in legal limbo and at risk of deportation.

• Immigration attorney Ali Zakaria advises Afghans to avoid criticizing the administration publicly, as the current policies could lead to revocation of their legal status, emphasizing the precarious situation faced by non-citizens.