Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Afghan Refugees in the U.S.

When Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in 2021, S., a 33-year-old, was among those evacuated. Resettled in California with her youngest child, her two older children, aged 14 and 9, remained in Kabul. S. requested anonymity, using only her first initial to protect her family still in Afghanistan.

In Fremont, California, every other Thursday, Afghan immigrants, both long-term residents and recent arrivals, gather at the Afghan Coalition. This non-profit assists Afghan immigrants in settling into American life. Attendees seek advice on staying safe from U.S. immigration enforcement rather than from hate groups or Islamophobia.

Freshte Ahrar, a caseworker with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, conducts ‘know-your-rights’ training, educating attendees on search warrants, rights to remain silent, and the legality of requests for phone passcodes. Ahrar cautions that ‘no one is safe,’ regardless of their status as U.S. citizens or green card holders.

Fremont, home to approximately 100,000 Afghans, is known as ‘Little Kabul.’ This community features Afghan restaurants, markets, and boutiques. Despite this vibrant community, fear persists due to policies enacted under President Trump’s administration.

Immigration Policies Raise Concerns

Since Trump’s return to office, stricter immigration policies have created anxiety among Afghan refugees. An executive order for rigorous vetting and a travel ban restricting entry from several countries, including Afghanistan, heightened tensions. The termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghans further compounded these fears.

A shooting incident in 2025 involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan suspect evacuated in 2021, led to a pause in immigration requests for Afghan nationals. This incident increased scrutiny on Afghans already in the United States, sparking concerns of increased immigration enforcement under Trump’s administration.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions rose sharply, with numbers climbing from 39,000 in January 2025 to 67,000 by July 2026, as reported by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Immigration lawyers and advocates note a rise in visa revocations and suspended applications for Afghan immigrants.

Daily Anxiety Among Afghan Residents

Ahrar’s sessions in Fremont aim to help Afghans navigate these challenges, offering advice on handling traffic stops and airport screenings. Ahrar advises attendees to refrain from discussing political views or social media and to request an attorney if arrested. This advice is crucial as many Afghans fear being targeted despite contributing positively to their community.

For those who aided the U.S. in Afghanistan, the situation is more troubling. Afghans who supported U.S. efforts now find themselves feeling betrayed and frightened by the current policies.

“We are safe, but not safe,” Ahmad, a former U.S. employee, expresses the lingering fear despite wanting to contribute positively in his new home in the U.S.

Ahmad, evacuated in 2021, finds himself struggling with the uncertainty surrounding his immigration status despite contributing to society by assisting other refugees. His story highlights the complex emotions many Afghan refugees experience in the U.S.

Heartbreaking Separation

S.’s journey reflects both the triumphs and struggles of Afghan refugees. Initially thankful for the U.S. invasion, which opened doors for education and personal growth, she now faces the heartache of separation from her older children left behind. While she thrives in California, her repeated efforts to reunite with her children have been thwarted.

Despite numerous legal efforts and a brief opportunity following a court ruling, S.’s children remain in Kabul due to recent policy shifts under Trump’s administration. S. lives in unwavering hope and determination, seeking to reunite with her children despite the immense challenges.

The U.S. intervention in Afghanistan brought S. many opportunities but also left her family divided. Her trust in the U.S. government has been irrevocably altered by her personal experiences as she navigates a life marked by both freedom and profound loss.