Afghan Women Waiting for U.S. Visas Feel Betrayed by New Travel Ban

 

Fatima, a 57-year-old Afghan women's rights advocate currently in Pakistan, has seen her hopes for resettlement in the U.S. dashed after President Donald Trump signed an order banning nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the United States. This ban, announced on Wednesday, aims to prevent security threats but has left many Afghan refugees, who had been vetted and prepared to leave, feeling betrayed and abandoned.

Fatima, who worked tirelessly for U.S.-funded projects in Afghanistan, had been awaiting her flight and visa approval but now faces uncertainty, with no recent communication from U.S. authorities. She fears returning to Afghanistan, where the Taliban is in power, and she and her teenage daughter are now stuck in limbo.

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Despite promises made by the previous U.S. administration to aid Afghan allies—such as the P-2 refugee program—many awaiting visas, including those in Pakistan, remain in limbo. The recent travel restrictions have stalled processing, and Afghan women and vulnerable groups feel increasingly isolated and betrayed after their paperwork was completed and they were ready to start new lives abroad.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan claims to respect women’s rights under its interpretation of Islamic law but continues to restrict travel and education for women and girls, intensifying fears among Afghan exiles. Human rights advocates emphasize the profound disappointment and distress for those waiting in hope of safety and a better future.