Bulwark Takes “They Will Be Killed” Trump Orders Afghan Refugees to Self-Deport
Apr 20, 2025
In this engaging conversation, veteran Will Selber, who works with Afghan nonprofits including the Afghan American Veterans Alliance, discusses the dire situation facing Afghan refugees under the Trump administration's self-deportation order. He highlights the dangerous implications for those who risked their lives helping American forces and the emotional turmoil felt by veterans witnessing this betrayal. Selber emphasizes the urgent need for better support systems and critiques the government's inconsistent refugee policies, particularly for Afghan Christians.
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Afghan Allies Face Deportation Risks
- The Trump administration revoked temporary protected status for Afghan allies who served with U.S. forces over 20 years.
- Many Afghans face deportation to deadly conditions under Taliban and Al Qaeda control.
Veterans Betrayed by Deportation
- Afghan combat veterans invested heavily helping allies escape, breaking families and spending personal funds.
- The removal threat deeply affects veterans' mental health, worsening already high suicide rates.
VA Cuts Compound Veteran Crisis
- The Trump administration is dismantling Veterans Affairs support amid escalating Afghan deportation trauma.
- This combination will likely exacerbate mental health crises among affected veterans.