U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has summoned Afghan migrants residing in the United States to report their documentation during the holiday season. This initiative includes requests for check-ins on significant dates, notably Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, marking a continued effort by the Trump administration to scrutinize migrants from Afghanistan. According to letters reviewed by Bloomberg News, some recipients were also asked to attend appointments on December 27 and December 30.
The timing of these appointments has raised concerns. ICE has previously detained Afghan migrants who appeared for such scheduled check-ins, including individuals attending interviews for their green cards. Many of the recipients of these letters had previously obtained legal protection under a program initiated by former President Joe Biden in August 2021. This program was designed to offer refuge to those who fled Afghanistan following the U.S. military withdrawal and the Taliban’s return to power.
Shawn VanDiver, founder of the nonprofit group AfghanEvac, criticized the timing of these requests. He stated, “ICE is using federal and religious holidays to detain Afghans when access to legal counsel, courts, and advocates is at its lowest.” He emphasized that this is not standard administrative practice. In contrast, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security characterized these check-ins as “routine” and “long-standing,” though they did not specify how many letters had been distributed. The spokesperson also noted that ICE maintains its regular operations during the holiday period.
The requests for check-ins come in the context of notable changes to U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration, particularly following a November incident involving an Afghan national. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who had worked with U.S. forces and the CIA in Afghanistan, was charged with the murder of two National Guard troops after arriving in the U.S. through the Biden program known as Operation Allies Welcome.
In response to the November shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a review of all refugee cases resettled under the Biden administration. The administration has also frozen their green card applications, considering a country’s inclusion on the president’s travel ban list as a “significant negative factor.” This shift has reduced the refugee cap for fiscal year 2026 to 7,500, a significant decrease from the previous cap of 125,000. The presidential determination indicates a preference for White South Afrikaners, without mention of Afghan nationals.
Additionally, the administration has removed exemptions for Afghan nationals holding Special Immigration Visas, which were designed for those who assisted the U.S. government or military in Afghanistan. This change expanded the entry ban to nationals from over 30 countries, despite Afghan nationals already being on the list prior to this expansion. Earlier this year, the State Department closed the office dedicated to resettling Afghan refugees who had supported the American military efforts, and attempts in Congress to restore these operations did not succeed in the recent defense policy bill signed by President Trump.
The ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by Afghan migrants and the complexities of U.S. immigration policy during a tumultuous period. As these individuals navigate the legal landscape, the implications of government actions continue to unfold, raising questions about the future of Afghan refugees in the United States.
