US Administration Plans Mass Deportation of Afghan Nationals via Third Country
The US administration is preparing to deport Afghan nationals back to their homeland via a third country, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups and veterans' advocates amid security concerns.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing to deport dozens of Afghan nationals back to their homeland, drawing sharp criticism from human rights organizations and veterans' advocates. The planned expulsions are expected to be carried out via a third country due to the lack of diplomatic ties with the Taliban regime, with the first flights potentially departing as early as next Monday.
Many of those facing deportation fled Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover and the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021. Sean VanDiver, head of the AfghanEvac refugee support coalition, explained that several individuals marked for removal are relatives of Afghans who fought alongside American forces, placing them at severe risk under the current regime.
According to media reports, more than 150 migrants are slated for deportation in one of the largest concentrated removal operations of Afghans to date. Dozens are currently being held in detention facilities in Louisiana ahead of their scheduled flights.
A U.S. official noted that the deportations will be routed through Pakistan because Washington cannot coordinate directly with authorities in Kabul. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security declined to confirm upcoming deportation operations, citing operational security.
President Donald Trump defends his strict immigration policies and sweeping deportations as necessary measures to enhance domestic security. However, human rights advocates strongly condemn the initiative, arguing it undermines due process and exposes vulnerable individuals to extreme danger. VanDiver has urged Congress to intervene immediately and pass legislation granting temporary protected status to Afghans currently residing in the United States.
