San Diego is home to thousands of Afghan refugees who fled the country in 2021 after the Taliban retook control.
SAN DIEGO — Thousands of Afghan refugees who fought alongside the US military during the war in Afghanistan are faced with an uncertain future here in the United States.
“There is a high level of fear, anxiety, depression, uncertainty,” said Dr. Mohammad Rahimi, Executive Director of Afghan Family Services, a non-profit that helps refugees create new lives in the United States.
He knows firsthand what that fear is like. Some of his relatives remain in Afghanistan, and he doesn’t know when or if they’ll ever be reunited.
“When the country is not safe, when there is no legal or recognized government, when there is no legal and government protection, support and services what does life look like? That’s not only for my family and relatives but for every single citizen of Afghanistan,” he said.
In May, the Trump administration announced its decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Afghans living in the US, citing “improved” conditions in Afghanistan.
Wednesday morning, Congressman Scott Peters gathered with several non-profits at the USS Midway Museum, calling on the Trump administration to restore the program, and offer a pathway to permanent status. They also want Afghan allies’ family members to be able to join them.
“Breaking promises to our wartime allies does not make us safer, to the contrary, it makes us weaker,” said Congressman Peters. “It makes our war fighters less safe. It says that the United States is not a reliable and trustworthy partner. Why would populations help us next time we need aid abroad if this is how we treat them afterward?”
“We promised the people who stood with us that we would not abandon them, those allies who stood with, beside us risked everything serving shoulder to shoulder with our troops, protecting Americans and fighting for a chance at a better future,” said Shawn VanDiver, founder and president of #AfghanEvac.
In June, 33-year-old Sayed Naser, who worked as a translator for the US Military in Afghanistan, was arrested in San Diego federal court and remains in custody.
Dr. Rahimi said the uncertainty of the future for thousands of Afghan families is taking a toll.
“Our Afghan allies are being detained, deported. There’s no clear answer about what happens next,” he said.
In July, President Trump was asked about Afghan allies at a White House event. According to the Military Times, he made comments he would help the ones who are vetted and who worked for the US government, but did not offer any specifics on new programs or vetting programs.
In a statement to CBS 8, a spokesperson for the White House said:
“President Trump has repeatedly called attention to Joe Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal – the most embarrassing day in our country’s history – and will remember and honor the 13 servicemembers who tragically lost their lives as a result of Biden’s weak leadership on the event’s fourth anniversary. President Trump has a humanitarian heart, and the Trump Administration remains committed to protecting those who supported our mission in Afghanistan while ensuring rigorous security standards.”