Samar faces uncertainty over US resettlement as travel ban impacts Afghans

In June 2021, following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, many at-risk Afghans, including Samar and his family, were evacuated to temporary refugee centers in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates through US-organized flights. However, as of June 2025, Samar has been living in a temporary refugee center, worried about his family's resettlement prospects to the United States due to the travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump that includes Afghanistan on the list of restricted nations. This ban, enacted in June 2021, has made it increasingly difficult for refugees, like Samar, who have worked for US-affiliated organizations, to find a pathway to safety and stability in the U.S. Many Afghans, including those with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for their service, now face indefinite wait times for their immigration processes to resume or advance. The local Afghan community in Sacramento has voiced their struggles as the ban directly affects those with family members back home, compounding the emotional toll of separation and uncertainty. Community leaders lament the implications of the travel ban, which not only endangers lives back in Afghanistan but also undermines the dreams and aspirations of those seeking refuge in the U.S., often considered a land of opportunity. The plight of refugees and their families continues to draw concern from advocacy groups as they call for a reassessment of the current policy to ensure that all those with pending visa applications receive appropriate attention and care.