The Taliban government has urged Afghans seeking to migrate to the United States to instead come back to Afghanistan, following Washington’s stricter immigration policies targeting several countries, including Afghanistan.
US President Donald Trump recently reinstated a travel ban on 12 nations, citing insufficient government mechanisms for proper passport and security vetting. In response, Taliban Prime Minister Hassan Akhund encouraged Afghans abroad—including those who had collaborated with US-led forces—to return, assuring them of safety under Taliban rule.
“To those concerned about America shutting its doors, I say: Come home, even if you worked with the Americans for decades against our Islamic system,” Akhund stated in an Eid al-Adha speech broadcast by state media. “You will face no harm,” he added, claiming that Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had granted amnesty for all.
Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban has declared a general pardon for former allies of Western-backed forces. However, the UN has documented cases of extrajudicial killings, arrests, and abuses against former officials and military personnel.
The Taliban’s strict enforcement of Islamic law, including severe restrictions on women’s rights—labeled “gender apartheid” by the UN—has driven many Afghans to flee. The US troop withdrawal in 2021 triggered a mass exodus, with Afghans fearing retaliation for ties to the previous government or Western forces.
Meanwhile, the US has closed its embassy in Afghanistan, forcing visa applicants to process their requests in third countries like Pakistan, which has recently intensified efforts to deport Afghan refugees.
Since Trump’s return to office in January, Afghan migrants have faced shrinking opportunities to enter or remain in the US. New policies have disrupted refugee programs and revoked temporary protections, leaving many at risk of deportation starting next month.
