The Trump administration’s tightening grip on humanitarian migration policies is leaving vulnerable diaspora communities across the United States in a state of fear and uncertainty. Last week, the U.S. government announced the termination of “temporary protected status” (TPS) for Myanmar nationals, declaring the conflict-ridden nation as “safe” for return. This decision is part of a broader crackdown that has seen the suspension of asylum applications and a freeze on visas for Afghans following a shooting incident involving an Afghan national in Washington.
The incident has intensified anxieties within migrant communities, particularly among those who fear deportation to countries still fraught with danger. One of the West Virginia National Guard soldiers involved in the shooting has died, while the other remains critically injured. The suspect, an Afghan national who had worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan war, was granted asylum in the U.S.
Policy Changes and Community Reactions
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow announced the halt on asylum decisions, emphasizing the need for stringent vetting processes. “The safety of the American people always comes first,” he stated on X, formerly Twitter. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump declared intentions to pause migration from “Third World Countries” to allow the American system to “fully recover.”
For Myanmar nationals like Su Htet, who was granted TPS after her student visa expired, the revocation of her protected status has thrown her life into disarray. “I couldn’t go home after graduating because of the military coup,” she explained. “Now, I’m terrified of being arrested or worse if deported.”
Despite the U.S. government’s assertion that conditions in Myanmar have improved, analysts argue otherwise. “There have been no meaningful improvements,” they say, pointing to ongoing unrest and human rights violations. The junta in Myanmar, however, welcomed the U.S. decision, further complicating the situation for those like Su Htet, who fear persecution upon return.
Afghan Community Under Pressure
The Afghan community in the U.S. is also reeling from the recent policy changes. The shooting incident has led to a freeze on Afghan visa and asylum processing, drawing criticism from rights organizations. “This is not justice, but scapegoating,” commented Bill Frelick of Human Rights Watch. “It’s their association with U.S. forces in Afghanistan that exposed them to real risks.”
Wessal Mukhtar, an Afghan asylum seeker in California, described the psychological toll on his family. “Every Afghan family I know is living with constant stress,” he said. “There’s a general sense of anxiety hanging over us.”
Mukhtar, who worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan, has been waiting for his asylum application to be processed since 2021. “I cannot live safely back home,” he said, highlighting the danger of being perceived as an “American spy.”
Implications and Future Prospects
The broader implications of these policy shifts are profound. Thousands of migrants face an uncertain future, with work authorizations expiring and fears of deportation looming large. “We’ve already lost so much,” Mukhtar lamented, expressing the sentiment of many who feel punished for circumstances beyond their control.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between national security concerns and humanitarian obligations. As the U.S. grapples with these challenges, the affected communities continue to advocate for policies that acknowledge their plight and offer a path to safety and stability.
With the revocation of TPS for Myanmar nationals set to take effect in January, and the Afghan visa freeze ongoing, the pressure is mounting on policymakers to find a balanced approach that addresses security concerns without compromising humanitarian principles. The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of thousands who have sought refuge in the United States, hoping for a chance to rebuild their lives.
