Afghans in US face uncertain future as deportation plans pause

The Guardian reported that a sudden pause in the Trump administration’s plan to deport Afghans from the United States has left dozens of people in a state of "fragile relief" over the weekend. Advocates and members of Congress have warned repeatedly that sending Afghans back to their home country could amount to a death sentence, given the threat posed by the Taliban. The article said the feared deportations involve not only the small group currently in the United States but also a larger cohort that could be forced to return. Those at risk have survived a war, yet they now confront the possibility of further violence if they are sent home. The pause in removal orders appears to have been temporary, creating a brief respite before any new deadline is set. Officials and human‑rights groups continue to press the administration to reconsider the policy, citing the lethal risk to those who would be sent back.

Why it matters

The potential deportation of Afghans could expose them to lethal violence, highlighting the human cost of immigration enforcement policies.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

14 Nov 2026, 18:30 IST

Key names

Dozens of Afghans, Members of Congress, Afghans, Afghanistan

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianTrump ‘whiplash’ on deportations putting Afghans in turmoil: ‘People already survived a war’ 14 Nov, 18:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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