Afghan Refugees in Pakistan urge US to resume USRAP Resettlement Program

Afghan refugees in Pakistan urged the U.S. to resume the USRAP resettlement program, saying delays have left them stranded and increasingly vulnerable.

A number of Afghan refugees holding U.S. P1 and P2 immigration cases and currently residing in Pakistan have voiced serious concerns over their uncertain status and the future of their families. Many of them had worked alongside U.S. forces, institutions, and missions in Afghanistan, supporting democratic governance, sustainable development, and peace efforts.

In a public statement, the refugees emphasized that they were lawfully included in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) through official communication from the U.S. State Department. Most have completed medical screenings, security clearances, and interviews, but the suspension of the USRAP program has brought their resettlement journeys to a standstill.

They warned of the psychological toll this prolonged limbo has taken. According to the refugees, at least four individuals from the P1 and P2 categories have either committed suicide or died due to heart attacks and strokes triggered by extreme stress and uncertainty.

These individuals, described as U.S. allies, further highlighted the severe conditions their children are enduring—deprived of education, healthcare, and stability. They fear that forced deportation from Pakistan could expose them to death or torture if returned to Afghanistan.

Appealing to U.S. President Trump, the State Department, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UNHCR, the group stressed that after years of sacrifice, they deserve protection, not abandonment. They requested the immediate resumption of USRAP and the reactivation of their immigration procedures.

In addition, they called on relevant U.S. authorities to urgently process their pending cases, resume interviews, and facilitate transfers to their intended destinations. They are also seeking comprehensive psychological, educational, medical, and legal support during this period of uncertainty.

The refugees emphasized that without such support, their families—especially children—remain at risk of long-term trauma and social harm. Their call for help highlights the broader humanitarian crisis facing Afghan allies stranded in third countries.

The P1 and P2 visa programs were designed to assist Afghans who supported U.S. missions during the war, especially after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. These individuals were promised safe resettlement as a reward for their cooperation with international forces and democratic institutions.

According to reports, thousands of such Afghans fled to neighboring countries like Pakistan after the U.S. withdrawal, hoping for quick relocation to the U.S. However, bureaucratic delays, security reviews, and political complications have left many in prolonged limbo.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that suspending or delaying resettlement for these vulnerable populations not only breaches moral obligations but also exposes them to serious risks, including deportation and persecution by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

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