U.S. aid freeze leaves thousands of Afghan refugees in limbo

Thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. government now face uncertainty as the Trump administration halts foreign aid and refugee assistance, the CNN reported on Monday. The freeze has disrupted relocation plans and cut off essential services for those awaiting travel to the U.S., according to multiple sources.

The suspension of aid, the report explains, has impacted Afghans who received Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for their service alongside U.S. forces, as well as others seeking refuge. Around 3,000 Afghans in Qatar and 500 in Albania are reportedly stranded due to the funding halt.

Many relied on U.S.-funded flights, while those still in Afghanistan face heightened risks from the Taliban. Anna Lloyd of Task Force Argo, an organization assisting Afghan refugees, stated that those affected had expected relocation and may have already sold their belongings. “Now the flights have stopped, and they have nowhere to return,” she said.

The freeze has also affected services in transit countries, limiting access to mental health support, education, and basic necessities. A U.S. official confirmed that only “life-sustaining services” such as food and emergency medical care remain available.

Advocacy groups, including Task Force Argo and #AfghanEvac, are urging the administration to exempt Afghan allies from the aid suspension. Internal discussions are ongoing, but it remains unclear whether an exemption will be granted.

The suspension also affects thousands of other refugees worldwide whose flights to the U.S. were canceled. While officials have previously expressed support for Afghan allies, organizations warn that without intervention, many who served the U.S. remain in jeopardy.