Waiting for a Future: Afghan Refugees in Qatar
In January, Negina Khalili and her family sold their house and belongings in Afghanistan to start a new life in America. They arrived at a U.S. military base in Qatar, ready for the last step of their emigration journey. Just thirteen days later, the Trump administration took office and paused the refugee program that could have allowed them entry into the U.S.
Now, they find themselves among a small number of Afghans in Qatar, waiting for the chance to come to America. Khalili expressed her fears, saying, “If they send them back to Afghanistan, that will be a huge risk for my family.”
When President Trump returned to the White House, he enacted several immigration-related executive orders, including one that halted the refugee program. This sudden change left thousands of people worldwide, who were hoping to come to the U.S., facing uncertainty.
Clarity Lacking for Refugees in Qatar
For the Afghans in Qatar, the situation became particularly difficult. They traveled there seeking safety, only to find no clear path forward. According to Shawn VanDiver, who leads an advocacy group for Afghan evacuees, about 1,200 Afghans remain at the base in Qatar, a number confirmed by a State Department official.
VanDiver stated, “We brought them here. It’s on us to figure out what to do next. The right answer is to follow through on what was promised.”
During the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, the U.S. airlifted thousands of Afghans who had supported American efforts. As this issue faded from the news cycle, the Biden administration facilitated the relocation of many more Afghans before Biden left office.
There are mainly two avenues for Afghans to emigrate to the U.S. The first is through special immigrant visas for military translators who worked directly with the U.S. government. The second option is for those who assisted U.S. efforts and face danger, allowing them to apply for refugee status.
These refugees typically go through “lilypads,” temporary processing centers set up in various countries, where they complete the necessary steps to arrive in the U.S. The Qatar facility is located on a former U.S. military base, where the refugees are restricted and can only leave with U.S. escorts.
Shut Out from Opportunities
Since Trump resumed his presidency, Afghans can still apply for special immigrant visas, but they must either cover their own expenses or seek assistance. Unfortunately, the refugee program remains suspended, leaving many Afghans in limbo in Qatar, unsure of their futures.
One Afghan, Saliha, is a lawyer who once ran her own firm and helped abused women. After the Taliban regained power, Saliha went into hiding. Two years ago, she was referred to the refugee program. Tragically, she feels the pressure, especially after hearing about others whose applications were denied and were given notice to leave.
Saliha shared that while there are classes for children and recreational activities, the uncertainty of their future looms over them. “We worked hard and sacrificed a lot. We did nothing wrong,” she said. “Our only sin is helping the women of Afghanistan.”
A Suspended Program
Currently, it remains unclear if the Trump administration will revive the refugee program, as it is suspended indefinitely. Advocates for the Afghan refugees emphasize the thorough vetting process they undergo before immigrating to the U.S. Among the group of 1,200 in Qatar are about 200 relatives of U.S. service members.
Organizations assisting with resettlement efforts have even taken legal steps to revive the refugee program, although courts have supported the administration’s authority to halt it. Recently, a judge ordered the admission of around 12,000 already-approved refugees, yet it remains uncertain how quickly the government will act.
Meanwhile, the State Department stated that it is actively reviewing the Afghan relocation program and continues to support Afghan allies positioned abroad. Khalili, who fled during the 2021 withdrawal, remains deeply concerned about her family still in Afghanistan. They share messages daily, but she worries about their safety and well-being. “They are facing a lot of depression and don’t know what will happen,” she said. “Every day, I am thinking about my family.”
