Taliban took control of Kabul
Delay in migration from Pakistan to America, Afghan refugees protest in Islamabad
After the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, many Afghan citizens, including journalists and human rights activists, fled their homeland to avoid reprisals.
The U.S. government launched a program called Priority 1 and Priority 2 Refugees, also known as P1 and P2, to expedite the issuance of visas to such individuals.
Under this program, Afghan nationals who have worked in Afghanistan for the U.S. government, a U.S. media organization, or a non-governmental organization are eligible for U.S. visas and have been certified by their U.S.-based employer.
Pakistan: Deportation of illegal Afghan refugees accelerated
These Afghan applicants, temporarily residing in Pakistan, have been waiting for the US authorities for over a year and a half to start processing their visa applications.
America, Afghan refugees protest
Due to the delay in visa approval, these Afghan citizens are facing various difficulties. On the one hand, they are facing economic difficulties, on the other hand. They are not getting access to health, education and other services in Pakistan.
‘Help us on a bad day’
Against this situation, Afghan refugees protested outside the Pakistan National Press Club in Islamabad on Sunday.
Muhammad Baqir Ahmadi, one of the organizers of the demonstration, said that they are facing many problems in Pakistan due to the fact that the processing of visa applications has not started.
The protestors said that the applicants have not even been give a date for the initial interview and hence the necessary processing of the visa applications has not starte.
One of the banners carried by the Afghan refugees on the occasion read. “We P1/P2, your allies and comrades in the promotion of democracy, human rights and freedom of expression. We ask for your support and fellowship in these troubled times.”
Pakistan: Afghan citizens demand political asylum in Western countries
Hussamuddin, an Afghan belonging to the P2 list, said that the Afghans. Who applied for P1 and P2 should be remove from here and sent to a country. Where they have the necessary Resettlement Center (RSC) centers. Open and there they can give interviews.
‘There is no future in Afghanistan’
Under US law, such refugees must first be held in a third country, where their case will be considered, before being taken to the US.
They may be held for 14 to 18 months in a third country. And have their cases processed by the RSC.
It should be note that after the withdrawal of American and NATO forces, the Taliban recapture Afghanistan in August 2021. Many Afghans fled their country soon after the Taliban took over.
