Trump's Aid Pause Strands Over 40,000 Afghans Approved for U.S. Visas

President Donald Trump’s foreign aid suspension has halted flights for over 40,000 Afghans approved for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), many at risk of Taliban retaliation. Most stranded individuals remain in Afghanistan, while others are in Pakistan, Qatar, and Albania, according to Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, a coalition aiding Afghan evacuations.

The stoppage follows Trump’s 90-day pause on foreign development aid as part of his "America First" policy review. Advocacy groups report widespread disruption to U.S. and global aid operations, affecting critical programs like nutrition, health, and vaccinations. The State Department also suspended funding for organizations assisting Afghan SIV holders with resettlement, including housing, education, and employment support.

VanDiver believes the suspension was unintentional and urges exemptions for SIV-approved Afghans, emphasizing their sacrifices alongside U.S. forces during the 20-year conflict. Tens of thousands of Afghans are still awaiting visa approvals.

Reports from the U.N. suggest the Taliban have detained, tortured, and killed former U.S.-aligned soldiers and officials, despite the Taliban’s general amnesty claims. The flight suspension leaves many Afghans stranded at visa processing centers in Qatar and Albania or waiting in Afghanistan and Pakistan to travel for visa approvals.

Since the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, nearly 200,000 Afghans have resettled in the U.S. on SIVs or as refugees. However, Trump’s recent executive order halting all U.S. refugee resettlement programs has further disrupted evacuations, stranding family members of Afghan American military personnel, former soldiers, and unaccompanied children.

The White House and State Department have not commented on the matter. Advocacy groups continue to call for action, stressing the urgency of protecting U.S.-affiliated Afghans facing Taliban threats.