Growing Fears in Afghan-American Communities as Detentions Surge Following Recent Rhetoric
A wave of detentions targeting Afghan nationals in the United States, even those with pending immigration applications, is sparking fear adn outrage within Afghan-American communities. Reports from California to Michigan indicate a meaningful increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, raising concerns about a shift in enforcement priorities and the impact of increasingly unfriendly rhetoric from political figures.
A Sudden Increase in Detentions – Even for those Following the Rules
The situation escalated this week with numerous reports of individuals being taken into custody despite actively participating in the legal immigration process. Milad nyazi, an Afghan man with a pending green card submission, was recently allowed to enter the U.S. only to be detained shortly after, leaving his family distraught. his three-year-old daughter witnessed his arrest, a scene repeated in homes across the country.
“We are seeing individuals detained who are diligently following the legal pathways to immigration – those with pending asylum claims, green card applications, and even those regularly checking in with ICE as required,” explains Zahra Billoo, Executive Director of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). “At least 17 afghans in the Bay area alone have been detained since Monday.”
Legal organizations are confirming this trend.Paris Etemadi Scott,Legal Director of the Pars Equality Center in San José,reports that three of her clients – an Afghan mother and her two adult sons – were detained during a routine ICE check-in despite having pending asylum applications. Similarly, Rebecca Olszewski, Managing Attorney at the Michigan Immigrant Rights center, details a case where a client was instructed to appear in person for a check-in, only to be detained upon arrival.
The Role of Inflammatory Language
These detentions are occurring against a backdrop of increasingly harsh language directed towards immigrants by prominent political figures. Following a recent shooting, governance officials, including the President, have employed dehumanizing terms.
Specifically,Governor Noem announced a proposed “full travel ban” on countries she labeled as sending “killers,leeches,and entitlement junkies.” Former President Trump went further, referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage” and vowing to expand the travel ban to over 30 countries. he also publicly stated his intention to ”permanently pause migration from all third World Countries” and deport individuals deemed “non-compatible with Western Civilization” on his social media platform.
Echoes of Afghanistan: A Community Living in Fear
The impact on Afghan-American communities is palpable. In North Sacramento,a hub for Afghan resettlement,a sense of fear and anxiety has descended. Shafiullah Hotak, an Afghan immigrant and former program manager at a refugee resettlement institution, describes the current atmosphere as eerily reminiscent of life in Afghanistan under threat.
“The situation we have in our community reminds me of when we used to go to work in Afghanistan,” Hotak explains. “We had to take different routes every day because people who were against the U.S. mission in Afghanistan were targeting people.” He recalls a chilling tactic used by adversaries: “‘Kill the eyes,’ they used to advise, meaning to target local Afghans aiding the military.”
Hotak draws a stark parallel: “But nowadays those ‘eyes’ are here in the U.S. and the U.S. government is looking to pick them up and put them in jail.” This sentiment is reflected in the visible changes within the Sacramento community – empty parks, quiet businesses, and a general sense of unease.
What This Means for Afghan Immigrants & The Future of Immigration Policy
The recent surge in detentions and the accompanying rhetoric raise serious questions about the direction of U.S. immigration policy. The targeting of individuals actively pursuing legal pathways to residency undermines the principles of due process and fair treatment.
This situation demands increased scrutiny of ICE enforcement practices, a commitment to humane immigration policies, and a rejection of divisive language that fuels fear and prejudice.The Afghan-american community, many of whom risked their lives to support U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, deserves better than to be met with suspicion and hostility upon seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.
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