Summary
Many Afghans who were evacuated to the United States after the Taliban took control of Kabul are still in a difficult legal situation. They face uncertainty due to changing U.S. immigration policies under former President Donald Trump and current policies. Thousands of Afghans are concerned about their future in the U.S. as immigration policy changes continue to create uncertainty.
Key Facts
- Hanifa Girowal is one of many Afghans who fled Afghanistan during the August 15 Taliban takeover and is now in legal uncertainty in the U.S.
- Girowal worked in human rights in Afghanistan and now seeks stable legal status in the U.S.
- U.S. policies under Donald Trump affected many immigrant communities, including Afghans.
- As of now, around 180,000 Afghans remain in the U.S., with diverse legal statuses.
- About 75,000 Afghans arrived on evacuation flights after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- Other Afghans entered the U.S. through asylum at the border or special visa programs.
- Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and refugee programs provide paths to residency and potential citizenship.
- Advocacy groups have pushed for clearer and more permanent solutions for Afghan evacuees.
