Trump vows help for Afghans in UAE
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to assist Afghans detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after fleeing their country following the Taliban's takeover. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his commitment to "try to save them, starting right now," referencing reports that UAE officials may be preparing to hand over some Afghan refugees to the Taliban. The UAE, a key security partner of the United States, agreed in 2021 to temporarily house several thousand Afghans evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal. Since then, nearly 200,000 Afghans have been resettled in the U.S. under the Biden administration. However, many remain in limbo in the UAE, with reports indicating that the Emirati government has begun returning some refugees to Afghanistan.
Trump's administration previously suspended refugee resettlement and terminated temporary deportation protections for thousands of Afghans in the U.S. Democrats have urged Trump to restore these protections, emphasizing the dangers faced by women and children under the Taliban regime. Advocacy groups are calling for expedited processing of Afghan evacuees and partnerships with third countries to ensure that U.S. allies are not abandoned.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how many Afghans are still in the UAE, with reports suggesting that over 30 individuals are still awaiting resolution of their status. The urgency of the matter is underscored by the ongoing deportations of Afghan refugees from various countries, including Germany, which recently deported 81 Afghan men. The plight of these refugees highlights the broader challenges faced by those who supported U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and are now at risk under the Taliban's rule.
