Trump in Conflict with U.S. Veterans Over Delayed Afghan Relocations"

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-06 09:00:18 |

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Challenges Faced by Afghan Resettles Under Trump Administration
When Ruqia Balkhi arrived in the United States in September 2023, she was warmly welcomed by a federally funded resettlement agency that helped her restart her life after fleeing Afghanistan. As a 55-year-old engineer, Balkhi had worked alongside U.S. military forces during their two-decade-long presence in her home country. With the fall of the U.S.-backed Afghan government in 2021, she faced an unsafe environment under Taliban rule, prompting her to seek refuge in the U.S.

Initial Support, Then Sudden Cutoffs
Balkhi’s first 90 days in the U.S. were filled with support—temporary housing, language lessons, basic goods, mental health assistance, and guidance for her son’s school enrollment in Virginia. However, when her husband, Mohammed Aref Mangal, arrived in January under the same visa program, their situation drastically changed. Donald Trump's inauguration coincided with the abrupt halting of these services due to tighter federal restrictions on funding and immigration.

Contrast in Experiences for Afghan Refugees
Balkhi expressed frustration with the stark contrast in how she and her husband were treated by the resettlement system. While her experience was marked by comprehensive assistance, her husband's arrival under the new administration led to limited or no support. The change in policy created a stark divide for Afghan refugees arriving after the U.S. military’s withdrawal.

Broader Impact of Trump’s Immigration Policies
Balkhi’s story highlights the broader challenges faced by Afghan refugees after the U.S. withdrawal and the tightening of immigration and refugee resettlement policies under President Donald Trump. The shift in policy left many families struggling to adjust without the necessary resources and support, making their transition to life in the U.S. significantly more difficult.

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