CAIR Condemns Trump’s Afghan Immigration Ban as Discriminatory, Violent
DID Press: The Council on American-Islamic Relations – California (CAIR-CA) has called on the Trump administration to lift the blanket suspension on Afghan immigration processing and the “punitive” measures that could affect tens of thousands of refugees, asylum seekers, green card holders, and families awaiting reunification. The organization described the administration’s actions as “collective punishment” advancing anti-immigration policies.
This response follows the shooting of two National Guard soldiers by an Afghan legal resident in the U.S. In the aftermath, the Trump administration halted visa processing and immigration requests for Afghans “pending security protocol review” and paused asylum decisions.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also announced a review of previously granted green cards for citizens of 19 countries, mostly Muslim, African, and Caribbean nations.
“The Trump administration’s sweeping ban on Afghan visa and immigration requests constitutes collective punishment. Using the criminal act of one individual to target an entire community provides a pretext to advance anti-immigration policies and sets a dangerous precedent,” said Hussam Ayloush, Executive Director of CAIR-CA.
“Combined with the president’s announcement to halt migration from Third World countries, this decision dehumanizes vulnerable migrants and, rather than preventing violence, exacerbates discrimination,” he added.
Amina Fields, Senior Director for Immigrant Rights at CAIR-LA, said: “Instead of assisting Afghan families seeking safety or reunification, the government is closing doors on them. Threatening the legal status of already vetted migrants and blocking pathways for thousands more is devastating—it can tear families apart and even endanger lives.”
The council warned that the decision could cause indefinite delays, risk the loss of legal status, and prolong family separations. Vulnerable individuals are urged to consult immigration attorneys to review their cases.