Voices in Limbo: SIV & P1-4 Refugees Awaiting U.S. Resettlement

“I am an Afghan journalist with nearly 14 years of experience in national and international media. After the government collapsed, many of my colleagues managed to escape—but despite my efforts, I could not. For the past year and a half, I have been stranded in Pakistan, where my visa expired a year ago. With no financial resources left, I am now living here illegally.

During the previous government, I hosted political and music programs, roles that have now put my life in grave danger. Repeated threats via WhatsApp forced me to flee Afghanistan, but even here, I am not safe. I have reached out to numerous organizations for help, yet no solution has come. My wife and I are alone in Pakistan, struggling to survive in desperate conditions. If Afghan refugees are deported, I do not doubt that I will fall into Taliban hands—and they will not hesitate to kill me.”

“We worked alongside the United States on various projects in Afghanistan, and I was seriously injured in the line of duty. Despite completing all the necessary steps for our Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) cases, we have been waiting for years to be transferred to a third country by the CARE team. Instead, we remain abandoned at the mercy of the Taliban, living in secrecy. The Taliban explicitly accuse us of working against them in the past and have issued death threats against us.

With the arrival of the new U.S. administration, our hopes are fading. The American people should not forget our friendship and loyalty. The United States is a great and proud nation, offering hope to many around the world. I urge you—please do not leave us behind.

I am also seeking urgent assistance regarding my SIV case, which has been stalled for over two years with no progress. When I attempt to submit a public inquiry through the CEAC Inquiry Form, I receive an ‘Invalid Case Number’ error, preventing me from checking my status. I am reaching out in desperation, hoping for any assistance that could help us find safety before it is too late.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”