Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Rights groups are urging the U.S. government to take immediate action to facilitate the resettlement of Afghan refugees.
Human rights organizations have called on the United States to take urgent action to facilitate the transfer of Afghan refugees stranded in third countries. In an open letter sent to the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration on Wednesday, April 24, the organizations urged swift measures to address the ongoing crisis.
The letter highlighted the dire situation of Afghan refugees in third countries, especially in Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. The prolonged uncertainty faced by these individuals is described as a clear violation of human rights and international obligations on the part of the United States.
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the P1, P2, and SIV immigration programs were designed to assist Afghan refugees who had cooperated with U.S. forces. However, in January 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order suspending all refugee resettlement programs, including the cancellation of travel for over 1,600 Afghan refugees whose applications had already been approved.
This decision sparked widespread concern among human rights groups and international authorities. U.S. Congress representatives have called for a review of the policy and the resumption of immigration programs for Afghan refugees.
In their letter, the organizations emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. government to restart the vetting and resettlement processes for Afghan refugees. They warned that the continuation of the current situation not only violates the rights of refugees but also calls into question the United States’ commitment to its international obligations.
The organizations concluded that addressing the plight of Afghan refugees is essential not only for humanitarian reasons but also to restore the credibility of U.S. foreign policy and its dedication to global human rights.