News & Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025
PRESS CONTACT
Spencer Tilger | media@refugeerights.org
FOUR YEARS AFTER FALL OF KABUL, TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS TURNED ITS BACK ON AFGHAN ALLIES
IRAP releases new explainer document, experts available to discuss
(New York, NY) – This week marks four years since the Taliban takeover of Kabul and the effective end of the American military presence in Afghanistan. Around 200,000 Afghans were able to relocate to safety in the U.S. during the subsequent evacuation, while many others remain in danger in Afghanistan or neighboring countries, waiting for their opportunity. However, instead of protecting vulnerable Afghans, the Trump administration has turned its back on this community.
Today, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) released an explainer outlining the Trump administration’s attacks on Afghan allies, which include stripping them of legal status, targeting them for deportation, and dismantling the systems that support Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and other Afghan refugees.
Jennifer Patota, IRAP Deputy Director of U.S. Legal Services, said:
“It is impossible to forget the images of Afghan allies attempting to escape the Taliban on evacuation flights four years ago. Thousands were left behind, and we must reject this administration’s attempts to shut the door on those still trying to reach safety. From his first day in office, President Trump has abandoned promises to protect those who risked their lives for the United States, blocking Afghans’ resettlement, and even attempting to deport them back to danger. Whether the suspension of the U.S. refugee program or the dismantling of the offices that support SIVs, IRAP opposes these egregious betrayals of U.S. allies and will continue to fight for their safety.”
In court, IRAP continues to fight for Afghan and Iraqi allies facing unlawful delays in the SIV application process and in June secured a court-ordered plan to speed up processing, which the Trump administration has indicated it will appeal. IRAP has also brought a class action lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s suspension of the U.S. refugee program, including for many Afghans.
The following IRAP experts are available to discuss the four year anniversary of the Afghanistan withdrawal and related issues:
- Adam Bates, Supervisory Policy Counsel (full bio here)
- Kimberly Grano, Litigation Staff Attorney (full bio here)
- Jennifer Patota, Deputy Director of U.S. Legal Services (full bio here)
To schedule an interview with an IRAP expert, email media@refugeerights.org
Additional Resources
- Read the explainer outlining the Trump administration’s attacks on Afghan allies: HERE
- Read IRAP’s explainer on the suspension of USRAP: HERE
- Read IRAP’s explainer on the 2025 travel ban: HERE
- Learn about IRAP’s litigation challenging SIV processing delays: HERE
- Learn about IRAP’s litigation to restore USRAP: HERE
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Everyone should have a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.
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