The Trump administration’s tightening restrictions on humanitarian migration have left some of the United States’ most vulnerable diaspora communities in fear for their futures. Last week, the U.S. government announced the cancellation of “temporary protected status” (TPS) for Myanmar nationals, claiming that Myanmar is now “safe” for return despite ongoing conflict.
This decision follows a recent incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard soldiers were shot, leading the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to freeze all asylum applications and halt visas for Afghans. Even approved residency applications from countries deemed “of concern” are now under review.
Impact of Policy Changes on Migrants
The revocation of Myanmar’s TPS, effective January, places individuals like Su Htet, a Myanmar national and U.S. university graduate, in a precarious position. Htet, who has been living in Washington, D.C., fears arrest if deported due to her outspoken criticism of Myanmar’s military junta.
“Just by appearance alone, I would get profiled at the airport for further security checks,” she shared. “I have been actively speaking out against the junta and the coup.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that the situation in Myanmar had improved, justifying the termination of TPS. However, analysts argue that there have been no “meaningful improvements” in Myanmar’s safety.
Afghan Community in Limbo
The shooting incident has further complicated matters for Afghan nationals. The suspect, an Afghan national who worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan war, has led to a freeze on Afghan visa and asylum processing. Rights organizations criticize this as “collective punishment.”
“Responding to the horrific actions of one individual by cancelling all Afghan visa and asylum processing is not justice, but scapegoating,” said Bill Frelick, director of Human Rights Watch’s Refugee and Migrant Rights Division.
Wessal Mukhtar, an Afghan asylum seeker in California, describes the psychological toll on his community. “Every Afghan family I know is living with this constant stress — from the youngest child to the oldest parent,” he said.
Historical Context and Expert Opinions
The United States has a history of providing refuge to those fleeing conflict zones, but recent policy shifts have sparked debate over the country’s commitment to humanitarian protection. Experts warn that the current administration’s stance could undermine the U.S.’s role as a global leader in refugee resettlement.
Immigration attorney Sarah Johnson noted, “These policy changes not only affect individuals but also tarnish the U.S.’s reputation as a safe haven for those in need.”
Future Implications and Community Response
The implications of these policy changes are profound. For individuals like Su Htet and Wessal Mukhtar, the uncertainty of their legal status is compounded by the fear of deportation and the potential dangers they face if returned to their home countries.
The migrant communities affected by these changes are mobilizing to advocate for policy reversals. “We are lobbying the administration to reconsider these decisions,” said Htet. “The recent shooting has only heightened our fears.”
“An entire nation, a whole displaced people, should not be punished for an isolated incident,” Mukhtar emphasized.
As the U.S. grapples with these complex issues, the future of many migrants remains uncertain. The administration’s next steps will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers, as well as the communities directly impacted by these policies.
