U.S. Executive Order Blocks Refugee Resettlement, Leaving 1,600 Afghans in Limbo
Advocacy groups like AfghanEvac have condemned the decision

Over 1,600 Afghans who were approved for resettlement in the United States now face an uncertain future due to a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
This order suspends all refugee admissions for at least four months, effectively blocking flights for these individuals, many of whom are at risk of Taliban retribution for their association with U.S. forces.
As reported, the group includes Afghan nationals who worked with the U.S. military and their families, including unaccompanied minors awaiting reunification with relatives in the U.S.
The executive order, titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” was signed on January 21, 2025, and is set to take effect on January 27. It halts ongoing resettlement processes and prohibits new applications.
The White House cited concerns over community safety and resources as reasons for the suspension, claiming that previous refugee admissions had strained local communities.
Advocacy groups like AfghanEvac have condemned the decision, stating that it places lives at risk and undermines U.S. commitments to its allies. Shawn VanDiver, the founder of AfghanEvac, emphasized that failing to protect Afghan allies sends a dangerous message regarding U.S. commitments abroad.
he suspension has been described as a humanitarian crisis, with many Afghans now more vulnerable than ever due to the Taliban’s resurgence and ongoing threats against those who assisted U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.