- Trump Administration Reportedly Preparing Deportation Operation Through Pakistan as Advocacy Groups Urge Congress to Protect Afghan Nationals
WASHINGTON: The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to deport more than 150 Afghan nationals from the United States to Afghanistan, prompting concern among human rights organisations, veterans’ groups and advocates for Afghan refugees.
According to a US official and a coalition of veterans and advocacy organisations, the planned operation could become one of the largest single deportation efforts involving Afghan nationals. The first deportation flight is reportedly expected to depart soon, potentially as early as Monday.
Sean VanDeveer, head of Afghan Evac, said many of the Afghans facing deportation had fled their homeland following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 and the subsequent withdrawal of US forces.
He warned that some of those affected were family members of Afghans who had served alongside American forces, placing them at potential risk if returned to Afghanistan.
“Some are brothers and sons of men who served alongside US forces, and these families already have every reason to be targeted by the Taliban,” VanDeveer said.
Deportations Expected to Be Arranged Through Pakistan
The New York Times reported that US authorities have detained dozens of Afghan nationals in Louisiana and are preparing to deport them as part of the planned operation.
A US official indicated that the deportations would be facilitated through Pakistan, as Washington cannot arrange direct returns to Afghanistan because it does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Taliban administration.
The reported plan has raised questions about the arrangements surrounding the deportations and the potential consequences for Afghan nationals who may face security risks upon returning to their country.
Human Rights Groups Raise Due Process Concerns
President Trump has defended his administration’s tougher immigration and deportation policies, arguing that stricter enforcement is necessary to strengthen domestic security.
However, human rights advocates and refugee-support organisations have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants under the measures. They argue that accelerated deportation policies could undermine due process protections and create additional risks for vulnerable communities, including minorities and individuals who fear being subjected to racial profiling.
The US Department of Homeland Security declined to confirm details of any forthcoming deportation operations, citing operational security considerations.
Afghan Evac Calls for Temporary Protection
VanDeveer has urged the US Congress to introduce legislation granting Afghan nationals residing in the United States Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which could provide eligible individuals with protection against deportation and permission to remain in the country under specified conditions.
Advocates argue that such protection is particularly important for Afghans who assisted US forces, worked with international organisations or fled Afghanistan amid the political and security upheaval following the Taliban takeover.
Pakistan’s Ongoing Afghan Repatriation Programme
The reported US deportation plan comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to repatriate undocumented Afghan nationals.
Pakistan has deported more than two million Afghan nationals to Afghanistan since 2023, according to the figures cited in the report.
The developments highlight the wider challenges surrounding Afghan displacement, refugee protection and regional cooperation, particularly as governments balance immigration enforcement with humanitarian and international protection considerations.
BY: The Times Union
