Afghanistan Peace Campaign
The Federation for Immigration Reform in the U.S. has reported a significant increase in the number of Afghan migrants crossing a key immigration passage at the Panama-Colombia border in their attempt to reach the U.S.
According to the report, which was published on Tuesday, November 26, the number of Afghan migrants has increased from 98 individuals between 2010 and 2020 to 8,294 individuals between 2021 and 2024.
This sharp increase in migration to the United States has occurred during the period of Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
Following the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, international reports indicate that over eight million people have fled Afghanistan. This unprecedented “mass migration” has been described as a major humanitarian crisis.
The Federation for Immigration Reform in the U.S. also highlighted the trend of increased migration through the Darien Gap over the past four years (2021-2024) compared to the previous decade (2010-2020).
The report particularly expressed concern about migrants from Afghanistan and China. There has been increased concern about Afghan migrants in the U.S. after American forces thwarted a terrorist attack by an Afghan national during the U.S. elections.
Some U.S. senators are worried that the Chinese government might be using migrants as a means of espionage within the country.
The rise in Afghan migration can be seen as part of a broader trend of displacement caused by conflict, political instability, and economic hardship in many regions of the world. As the number of Afghan refugees continues to grow, the international community faces a pressing challenge in providing adequate support and ensuring that migrants are treated with dignity and respect.
The issue also raises important questions about migration policies and security concerns, particularly in the U.S., where the increasing number of migrants from countries like Afghanistan and China has prompted discussions about national security. Moving forward, there needs to be a balance between humanitarian aid and security measures to address both the needs of refugees and the safety concerns of host nations.