According to an advocacy group and Afghan applicants, Pakistan’s mass deportation drive has led to the forcible repatriation of many Afghans waiting for resettlement in the United States. Pakistani authorities have often ignored U.S. embassy letters regarding the protection of these Afghans, further complicating their efforts due to the closure of the U.S. embassy in Kabul and the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan.
The mass deportation of over a million undocumented foreigners, mainly Afghans, began on Nov. 1, amid allegations of Pakistan accusing Kabul of harboring Pakistan militants, which the ruling Taliban have denied.
More than 450,000 Afghans have returned home, enduring difficult winter conditions near the border, according to the United Nations.
Additionally, at least 130 Afghans who were in the process of being considered for U.S. special immigration visas or refugee resettlement have been deported, confirmed Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, a coalition of groups involved in these efforts.
Despite U.S. efforts to track these cases, a senior State Department official spoke anonymously, stating that the number of Afghans deported while awaiting resettlement in the U.S. is relatively small compared to the overall scheme.
The foreign and interior ministries of Pakistan did not respond to requests for comment, as the situation unfolds.
In the lead up to Nov. 1, the U.S. embassy was proactive in sending protection letters to 25,000 Afghans to prove to Pakistani authorities that they were in the process of being resettled in the United States.
However, local authorities in Pakistan have reportedly ignored these letters in many instances, despite U.S. efforts to ensure that they are honored.
Examples were provided by refugee advocates and Afghans that highlight the precarious wait faced by Afghans promised protection and resettlement in the U.S. Many have been advised to travel to a third country for processing, only to face hurdles.
Undocumented Afghans in Pakistan have faced numerous challenges including long renewal times and high fees for visa renewals as they await decision on their SIV or refugee status applications.
One applicant, who chose to remain anonymous for security reasons, shared how mounting costs led to an inability to renew visas, leading to their family being deported despite carrying a U.S. embassy letter.
U.S. officials have stated that they are maintaining contact with the thousands of Afghans in Pakistan through an emergency hotline on WhatsApp to provide necessary support.
