U.S. Senate warns immigration policy shift threatens Afghan partners’ lives

WASHINGTON: The Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration and the Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism of the U.S. Senate have warned about the consequences of halting the refugee program “Parole” during a meeting focused on immigration policies. In the session held on Wednesday, senators emphasized that recent decisions by the Trump administration to stop the refugee process and return asylum seekers have put the lives of thousands of Afghan partners at serious risk. Present experts highlighted the situations of active women in health sectors and former security forces, who are now facing the danger of being forced back to Afghanistan and facing severe restrictions under the Taliban. The committees called for an immediate review of refugee policies and continued support for Afghans who have collaborated with the United States.