America Must Not Deliver Vulnerable Afghans Into the Hands of the Taliban

As your constituent, I urge you to stop the Trump administration’s reported plan to deport more than 150 Afghans, possibly through Pakistan, to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. They could face persecution, torture, or death. Congress must now intervene before flights reportedly planned for early November put them beyond effective judicial protection. A DANGEROUS ROUTE THROUGH PAKISTAN An October 30 New York Times report says detained Afghans may be flown from Louisiana to Pakistan and then expelled to Afghanistan. Those reportedly at risk include relatives of people who helped U.S. forces and a gay man who could face severe persecution under Taliban rule. Pakistan has already expelled many Afghan refugees. A transfer there must not become an indirect route to persecution or torture. Congress must establish whether U.S. officials expect onward deportations and what safeguards would actually prevent them. LEGAL PROTECTIONS MUST BE HONORED U.S. immigration law protects eligible people from return to persecution. Rules implementing the Convention Against Torture prohibit removal where torture is more likely than not. A final removal order or criminal conviction does not erase applicable protections. Nor does a stop in another country. Before transfer, detainees must receive the notice and opportunity to raise fears of serious harm required by law, with access to counsel and courts where available. Once they leave U.S. custody, relief may be much harder to obtain. Congress must examine whether this plan evades legal safeguards or court orders, including pending claims and protection orders. AMERICA MUST HONOR ITS COMMITMENTS For two decades, Afghans risked their lives helping U.S. troops. Some and their families face Taliban retaliation. Abandoning them would damage America’s credibility with future allies. Others face danger because of their identity or beliefs. Every case requires an individual assessment, not an assumption about who deserves protection. REQUESTED ACTIONS: (1) HALT THE FLIGHTS: Urge the White House and DHS to suspend the reported November removals until required individual protection reviews are complete. (2) DISCLOSE THE PLAN: Obtain confidential passenger lists, removal grounds, destinations, agreements with Pakistan, and any assurances against onward deportation. (3) HOLD EMERGENCY HEARINGS: Examine legal compliance, officials’ knowledge of onward-removal risks, and any evasion of court orders; subpoena records and witnesses if necessary. (4) PROTECT DUE PROCESS: Require adequate notice, time to consult lawyers, and access to available court relief before transfer. (5) INVESTIGATE AND PRESERVE RECORDS: Seek expedited investigations by the DHS Inspector General and Government Accountability Office (GAO), and preservation of relevant records. (6) SPEAK OUT AND LEGISLATE: Publicly oppose returns that risk persecution or torture; pursue emergency legislation or funding limits to block unlawful removals. Thank you.