A group that once supported Donald Trump for president is now expressing disappointment with his administration over the recent decision to end legal protections for many Afghan refugees living in the U.S. The leader of “Afghans for Trump,” Zoubair Sangi, formed the group in response to the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. Sangi is now calling on Trump to rethink this decision.
Sangi highlighted the ongoing danger in Afghanistan, stating, “The reality is that Afghanistan is not safe. Since the Taliban returned, the country has become even more dangerous.” He criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s claims of improvement in security as disconnected from the harsh realities Afghans face.
He emphasized the perilous situation for those who worked with the U.S. government. “The Taliban targets anyone who opposes them or has had ties to U.S. forces,” he said. “Their lives are in serious jeopardy.”
Women in Afghanistan, Sangi pointed out, are suffering particularly under Taliban rule, facing severe restrictions that deny them education and freedom in daily life. “They treat women horribly, worse than cattle. It’s like a prison for ordinary Afghans,” he said.
Despite his frustration, Sangi remains committed to supporting Trump but is pleading for him to reconsider his current stance. He believes it’s crucial for any mistakes regarding Afghanistan to be corrected. He praised Trump for refusing to recognize the Taliban and for cutting off aid that would benefit them, emphasizing that engaging with the Taliban contradicts an “America First” approach.
On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security officially ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals, which could force over 9,000 individuals to return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Secretary Kristi Noem justified the decision by citing an “improved security situation” and a stabilizing economy.
Noem stated, “This administration is returning TPS to its original, temporary intent. We have assessed the conditions in Afghanistan with our partners, and they do not meet the requirements for TPS.”
The protections that had allowed many Afghans to live and work safely in the U.S. are set to end, raising concerns about the safety of those who assisted U.S. military efforts. Former Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul also voiced his opposition to this decision, arguing against the notion that security conditions have improved.
He warned that the Taliban has made their intent for vengeance clear, urging the administration to prioritize the safety of Afghan individuals who risked their lives to support American troops.
Discussions continue about the best course of action for the U.S. regarding Afghan refugees and the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, as many await a response from the White House and the Department of Homeland Security.
