Islamabad [Pakistan], July 7 (ANI): Afghan refugees in Pakistan have appealed to the United States to urgently restart the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), saying prolonged delays have left them stranded, vulnerable, and at risk of persecution, Khaama Press reported.
Many of the refugees hold US-designated P1 and P2 immigration cases, reserved for individuals who supported US forces and institutions in Afghanistan and were promised resettlement in recognition of their service. The refugees said they had lawfully completed required medical screenings, security clearances, and interviews through official US State Department communication, yet their resettlement process has been halted since the suspension of USRAP.
In their appeal, the refugees underscored the severe psychological toll of living in limbo, revealing that at least four people among the P1 and P2 categories have died from suicide, heart attacks, or strokes triggered by extreme stress and uncertainty. They also raised concerns over the conditions faced by their children, deprived of education, healthcare, and stability, warning that forced deportation to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan could lead to torture or death.
The group directly appealed to US President Donald Trump, the State Department, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UNHCR, demanding that their cases be urgently processed. They urged an immediate resumption of USRAP, reactivation of their immigration procedures, and swift interviews and transfers to the US.
They also requested comprehensive support services — psychological, educational, medical, and legal — during this period of uncertainty to prevent long-term harm to their families, particularly to children.
The P1 and P2 visa programs were specifically created to assist Afghans who worked alongside US and allied forces, democratic institutions, and humanitarian missions during the war, particularly after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Thousands fled to Pakistan and other neighboring countries, hoping for prompt relocation to the United States.
However, bureaucratic hurdles, prolonged security reviews, and political complications have left many stuck in Pakistan for months or even years. Human rights organizations have criticized the delays, warning that leaving these vulnerable individuals in limbo violates moral obligations and places them at grave risk of persecution by the Taliban.
The Afghan refugees reiterated that, after years of sacrifice and service, they deserve protection — not abandonment. (ANI)
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