Afghan Advocacy Group Slams US Visa Ban for Afghan Nationals
Afghan Evac, a U.S.-based advocacy organization for Afghan refugees, has strongly criticized the U.S. State Department’s decision to halt visa issuance for Afghan citizens. The group called the sudden suspension of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Afghans illegal and a breach of U.S. commitments to its allies.
In a statement issued following a recent announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Afghan Evac argued that citing the actions of a “violent individual” to justify the ban unfairly punishes an entire community — including Afghan nationals who worked alongside American troops during the war in Afghanistan.
The organization emphasized that this policy not only clearly violates federal laws and court orders but also reflects a deliberate attempt to undermine America’s moral obligations to those who once fought beside U.S. forces for peace and stability in Afghanistan. It added that Secretary Rubio appears to be working in coordination with President Donald Trump and advisors like Stephen Miller to shut the doors of rescue on Afghan nationals.
Shawn VanDiver, president of Afghan Evac, said the move is a premeditated decision that scapegoats an entire community instead of addressing intelligence failures. He stated that the issue extends beyond domestic politics and constitutes a willful abandonment of promises the U.S. made to its Afghan allies during the conflict with the Taliban.
The statement called on the U.S. Congress to use its legal authority to reverse the decision and noted that legal teams are preparing to challenge the ban in court. Afghan Evac also pledged to continue its efforts in coordination with retired military personnel and immigrant rights advocates nationwide to defend the SIV program.
The U.S. State Department had earlier announced the immediate suspension of visa issuance for passport-holding Afghan nationals, citing national security and public safety. Secretary Rubio reiterated the justification on social media platform X, stating, “There is no higher priority than protecting the American people.”
The decision follows an incident involving Rahmanullah Laknwal, an Afghan evacuee brought to the U.S. in 2021, who allegedly shot two National Guard soldiers near the White House.
The incident drew sharp reactions from senior U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, who called it an “act of terror.” However, observers have cautioned that punishing the entire Afghan immigrant community for the actions of one individual contradicts human rights principles and international obligations.
