U.S. Calls Afghan Migrants for Check-ins on Holidays, Drawing Criticism
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has called upon Afghan migrants living in the United States to report their immigration status during the holiday season. This initiative, which includes requests for check-ins on December 25, 2023, and January 1, 2024, has raised concerns about the timing and implications for those affected, particularly given the challenging circumstances surrounding their resettlement.
Letters sent to Afghan migrants indicate that ICE is conducting “scheduled report check-ins” during this period. In addition to the Christmas and New Year’s requests, appointments have been scheduled for December 27 and December 30. Critics assert that these actions represent a continuation of the Trump administration’s efforts to impose stricter measures on Afghan nationals, particularly following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Concerns Over Holiday Check-ins
Shawn VanDiver, the founder of the nonprofit organization AfghanEvac, criticized the decision to hold check-ins on federal holidays. He stated, “ICE is using federal and religious holidays to detain Afghans when access to legal counsel, courts, and advocates is at its lowest.” This sentiment highlights the apprehension felt by many Afghan migrants who have been granted legal protections under previous administrations but now face renewed scrutiny.
Despite the backlash, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security characterized the check-ins as “routine” and “long-standing.” The spokesperson did not disclose the number of letters sent but affirmed that ICE maintains its standard operations during holiday periods. Notably, federal offices are typically closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Background of Afghan Resettlement Policies
The recent check-ins are set against a backdrop of significant changes to U.S. immigration policies affecting Afghan nationals. This includes heightened scrutiny following the November 2023 shooting of two National Guard troops by an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who had previously worked with U.S. forces. Lakanwal, charged with murder, entered the U.S. through the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome program.
In response to the incident, the Trump administration announced a comprehensive review of all refugee cases processed under Biden’s policies and implemented a freeze on green card applications for Afghan migrants. Furthermore, the annual refugee cap for the fiscal year 2026 has been drastically reduced from 125,000 to 7,500, with a focus shifting away from Afghan refugees. This decision has been criticized for not addressing the urgent needs of those who supported U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.
The tightening of immigration policies has also seen the removal of exemptions for Afghan nationals with Special Immigration Visas and the expansion of entry bans to include over 30 countries. This has compounded the challenges faced by Afghan refugees seeking safety and stability in the United States.
As the situation evolves, advocates continue to push for better protections and support for Afghan migrants, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment during a time of heightened vulnerability. The implications of these check-ins remain to be seen, but the concerns raised by community leaders and organizations underscore the ongoing complexities of the U.S. immigration landscape.
