Messages from P-1 and P-2 Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Awaiting U.S. Resettlement

An Afghan Refugee Woman in Pakistan

“I am writing this letter to you as an Afghan refugee woman living in Pakistan who was previously referred to the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) under a P2 case.

As you know, the President’s Executive Order has suspended the implementation of USRAP programs.

My family and I are increasingly at risk. Currently, we are living in Pakistan, where we face the constant threat of deportation and the fear of returning to Afghanistan, where our lives are in immediate danger. I am very scared and worried. As a woman who has worked with international organizations in Afghanistan, I am at risk of imprisonment, sexual assault, and even death at the hands of the Taliban if I return.

I have three daughters, and I am deeply concerned for their future. If we return to Afghanistan, they will be deprived of their education and human rights and will be at risk of child and forced marriage. The stress and fear of this situation have taken a severe toll on me—my hair is falling out, and I am in a terrible state of mind.

I am writing to ask for your help in resolving this issue with the United States and members of Congress. In particular, I urge you to advocate for the exemption of Afghan allies and partners from the final executive order.

I hope that you can raise your voice so that the United States ensures that Afghan partners who have stood by the U.S. government are not abandoned at this critical time. Our lives are literally at stake, and we need your support to bring this matter to the attention of those who can make a difference.

With your cooperation, I hope to bring my concerns to those in authority and find a solution that ensures the safety and dignity of all who have risked their lives in service of a greater cause.”

A Proud Alumnus of the Department of State IVLP

“I am a proud alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the U.S. State Department. Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to advocating for education, particularly for girls in Afghanistan. I have worked tirelessly to reopen schools for girls, recruit female teachers, and promote women’s rights in a society where these efforts were met with immense resistance.

Before the Taliban’s takeover, I lived a purposeful life in Kandahar, striving to make a difference. My work was recognized both nationally and internationally, and I was honored to receive an appreciation letter from the U.S. ambassador for my efforts. However, when the Taliban regained control in August 2021, my life took a devastating turn.

My advocacy for education and my association with U.S. programs made me a target. My home was seized, along with three private cars. My family and I were forced to flee to Pakistan on the advice of U.S. allies. Since October 2, 2021, I have been waiting in Pakistan with my family. Meanwhile, two of my brothers remain imprisoned in Afghanistan, where they are tortured and threatened because of their connection to me.

This situation has pushed us into poverty, forcing us to live in an unfamiliar and hostile environment. My family is under constant pressure to pay a ransom of $100,000 for our safety—an impossible demand. We live in fear, uncertain of what the future holds. Despite being a friend and ally of the U.S. mission, our pleas for help often go unheard.

I want the world to know the price we have paid for standing by the values of freedom, equality, and education. Those who have supported global missions should not be left behind, abandoned to face life-threatening dangers. My story is not just about survival—it is a plea for justice, safety, and recognition of the sacrifices made by Afghan allies.

I continue to hope and pray for a day when my family and I can live in peace.”

Stranded in Pakistan, Awaiting Resettlement

“I am writing to urgently seek your assistance regarding our USRAP-P2 Refugee Case, which has been pending for over three and a half years. We have diligently completed all required steps in this process, including the first and second interviews and medical examinations. Our case was fully prepared for relocation; however, the suspension of the USRAP program, initiated by the previous administration, has left us—and countless other Afghan families—stranded in Pakistan.

Like many others in our position, we sold our properties and exhausted all financial resources to sustain ourselves while awaiting relocation. After years of uncertainty, we now find ourselves unable to make ends meet. Returning to Afghanistan is not an option, as it would place us in immediate and grave danger. It is well-documented that individuals like us—those who supported or worked with the U.S. government in Afghanistan—are targeted by the Taliban. If we are forced to return, we face certain retaliation, including the possibility of fatal consequences.

The ongoing suspension of USRAP has created severe hardships for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.”

A Displaced Prosecutor in Pakistan

“I am an Afghan prosecutor with a P-1 referral, now facing grave danger due to my work in combating corruption, prosecuting Taliban members, human rights violators, and organized crime figures. With the suspension of the P-1 program, my family and I have no safe alternatives.

Since the fall of the previous government, I have been in hiding, constantly relocating to evade released criminals and Taliban forces. I have survived multiple assassination attempts and direct attacks because of my role.

The suspension of the P-1 program has left us stranded and vulnerable. I am reaching out to Displaced International for urgent assistance in advocating for the resumption of processing for at-risk P-1 case holders like myself.

I would greatly appreciate any support, guidance, or advocacy your organization can provide. Please let me know if any further documentation is required.”

A Human Rights Collaborator in Pakistan

“I hope this email finds you well. I am a former military prosecutor in Afghanistan and a collaborator in the field of human rights with both national and international organizations.

I was referred to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) under Priority-1 (P-1) for Afghans approximately three months ago. However, I have yet to receive my AF number, and I am concerned about the status of my case.

My family and I are currently living in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions. Due to my past professional roles, I am particularly worried about our safety. My wife, a hairdresser, and my young daughters face significant risks and uncertainty, especially regarding their security and access to education.

I kindly request an update on the status of my case and guidance on the next steps in the process. Your support in facilitating the relocation of my family and me to safety would be greatly appreciated.”

A Defender of Women’s Rights

“I am a former prosecutor with the Attorney General’s Office of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. For several years, I worked on cases related to the prevention of violence against women and served as an investigative prosecutor combating administrative corruption in Daikundi province.

Following the Taliban’s takeover and the release of prisoners, I was forced to flee my home and go into hiding due to the risk of arrest and summary execution by the Taliban.

Thanks to the efforts of the Afghanistan Prosecutors Association and the support of partner organizations assisting judicial and legal professionals, I was introduced to the U.S. Department of State, received an ARR number, and my case is currently under process.

I am sincerely grateful to you and your colleagues for your dedication to protecting individuals at risk worldwide, particularly in Afghanistan. I respectfully request your assistance in ensuring the safety of my family and me.”