U.S. Plans to Deport Afghan Nationals via Pakistan Spark Concern

The U.S. government is considering a plan to deport nearly 200 Afghan nationals by first transporting them to Pakistan. From there, the individuals would be moved overland into Afghanistan, which is currently under Taliban control.

Court documents and statements from U.S. officials indicate that the plan is still being finalized. While the Department of Homeland Security declined to discuss specific flights, they noted that third-country removals involve diplomatic assurances regarding the safety of deportees.

The proposal has faced significant pushback from advocates who fear for the safety of those being returned, particularly those with connections to the previous U.S. military presence. A group of 66 members of Congress has formally requested that these deportation flights be canceled.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also voiced concern, urging that the rights and dignity of Afghan citizens be protected. Meanwhile, ongoing federal court cases are examining the due process rights of detainees affected by these potential removal missions.