Darwaish Zakhil, a co-founder of the Afghan Support Network and a former U.S. Army interpreter and cultural advisor, recently stepped into the Beaverton City Library with his family amid challenging circumstances. As many of his relatives remain in Pakistan awaiting decisions on their Special Immigrant Visa applications and humanitarian parole, the situation has become increasingly uncertain due to the U.S. government’s recent suspension of asylum decisions and visa issuance for Afghan nationals.
This pause was prompted by an incident in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly shot two National Guard members, resulting in one soldier’s death and another being critically injured. Following this, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow announced on social media that all asylum decisions would be halted until a thorough vetting process could be implemented, emphasizing the safety of the American populace as a priority.
This decision has raised alarms in Oregon, where the Afghan community is expressing concerns over its impact on countless individuals still navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. Yahya Haqiqi, the CEO of the Afghan Support Network, noted that the organization serves around 8,000 Afghan refugees in Oregon, many of whom had pending interviews for asylum or permanent residency that are now indefinitely delayed. He warned that individuals’ work authorizations, often tied closely to their immigration status, are at stake, threatening their ability to provide for their families.
Haqiqi reported that after the shooting, several families were instructed to report to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Portland, although the reasons for this directive remain unclear. With increased immigration enforcement in the state, Haqiqi and his organization are consulting legal counsel to determine the best course of action for those affected, as there are fears of detentions for individuals missing appointments.
For Zakhil, a U.S. citizen since his immigration from Afghanistan in 2016, the uncertainty extends to his mother, who recently received an I-130 visa that permits her to immigrate to the U.S. There is now concern over whether that visa remains valid amidst the pause. The emotional toll is significant for Zakhil as he grapples with feelings of betrayal and distress, even as his veteran friends express sympathy and regret about the hardships faced by him and the Afghan community.
As this situation continues to unfold, the uncertainty surrounding the immigration status of many Afghans highlights the need for a balanced response that protects public safety while ensuring the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations seeking refuge.