The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today urged the Trump administration to lift its sweeping ban on all immigration-related processing for Afghan nationals and reverse its decision to issue punitive immigration measures that could affect tens of thousands of refugees, asylum seekers, green card holders, and families seeking reunification. CAIR-CA also condemned the administration’s use of “collective punishment” to further its anti-immigrant agenda.
SEE:
- US pauses visas for all Afghan passport holders, halts asylum requests
- Trump says U.S. must ‘re-examine’ everyone who came from Afghanistan under Biden after National Guard shooting
Following the recent shooting of two National Guardsmen reportedly by an Afghan national legally residing in the U.S., federal agencies announced a series of broad immigration restrictions, including pausing all visa issuance and immigration requests for Afghan nationals indefinitely “pending further review of security and vetting protocols,” and halting all asylum application decisions.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also announced it will reexamine lawful permanent resident grants, also known as green cards, for nationals from 19 countries under the administration’s expanded travel ban—a majority of which are Muslim-majority, African, or Caribbean countries. The agency additionally issued new guidance about the use of “negative, country-specific factors” to be considered when vetting new immigration applications for nationals of these countries.
CAIR condemned the shooting, calling for the culprit to face full accountability for his crime.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“The Trump administration’s sweeping ban on visa processing and immigration requests for Afghan nationals is nothing less than collective punishment. Using the horrific criminal actions of one individual to target and punish an entire community is a thinly veiled excuse for the administration to further escalate its cruel, anti-immigrant agenda, and sets a dangerous precedent in which our government can use bigotry to drive policymaking.
“This decision, followed by President Trump’s declaration that he will pause all immigration from ‘third world countries,’ further dehumanizes vulnerable immigrant communities and serves only to fuel violence and discrimination here at home, not end it. We call on the Trump administration to lift this unjust ban and reject the racist practice of using immigrants and communities of color as political scapegoats.”
In a statement, CAIR-LA Immigrants’ Rights Senior Managing Attorney Amina Fields, Esq., said:
“Every day, CAIR-CA’s offices work with Afghan families and individuals seeking safety or reunification with their loved ones, and, instead of supporting these vulnerable communities, the Trump administration is slamming the door in their faces. Threatening to uproot Afghans who have already been fully vetted and indefinitely halting immigration channels for thousands more who are living with uncertainty or fear for their safety is devastating. The administration’s shameful decision to collectively place blame on every Afghan national, refugee, or green card holder will tear families apart and could even cost lives.”
While the full impact of this decision remains unclear until the administration releases further details, immigrants with pending applications could face indefinite delays, potential loss of legal status, and prolonged separation from family members.
CAIR-CA urges those who may be affected by this measure to consult with immigration attorneys to understand what this could mean for their case. Click here to contact CAIR-CA’s immigration department.
SEE ALSO:
- CAIR-LA, Partners Protest Trump’s New Expanded Travel Ban at Los Angeles International Airport
- CAIR-CA Calls End of Temporary Protected Status for Syrians ‘Premature,’ Urges Extension Until Rebuilding and Safety Make Returns Possible
- CAIR-CA Condemns Trump Administration’s ‘Shameful’ Termination of TPS for Afghans and Cameroonians
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-SV/CC Communications Director Zaid Hisham, (916) 441-6269 or zhisham@cair.com; CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, (408) 498-5779 or ladam@cair.com; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, (760) 201-7626 or tnizam@cair.com