Danger and Restriction
Written by: Samina Alacozy
As of January 1, 2026, the United States of America enforced the “Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans”. This became effective to restrict the entry of Afghan nationals, following the event of the reported “high-profile shooting” of two members of the National Guard. The U.S. State Department suspended visa processing for all Afghan citizens and more than 18 other designated countries. Specifically, this leaves Afghans seeking refuge from Afghanistan’s government and its economic instability, at the mercy of this decision. Many Afghans seek to flee Afghanistan, especially due to the authority of the Taliban, and infringements upon human rights.
It has been established that Afghanistan is the sole country that denies women post-secondary education, restricting women and treating them inferior to men. On International Women’s Day, Afghan women released anonymous protests, hiding their faces and condemning the policies of the un-Islamic government. From largely orchestrated music performances by the first exclusively female ensemble of Afghanistan that moved abroad to protect their lives, to videos, protests, and messaging, women everywhere have been speaking up about the endangering situation of Afghanistan. The government and society constantly isolates, disrespects, denies the right to education, and imperil Afghan women’s safety. All of this directly goes against Islamic principles, rules, and teachings, and human rights. Under the guise of religion, the Taliban’s authority is being used for oppressive means, although it contradicts the very essence of religion and humanity.
Furthermore, three months ago, the Taliban decreed a new penal code regarding domestic violence. This terrifying criminal regulation will target women, legally allowing men in Afghanistan to physically beat and “punish” their wives, on the condition that “it doesn’t cause broken bones or open wounds”. This leaves women with no way out. It intends to leave them helpless in the hands of abuse, barred from receiving professional and legal help to protect themselves, and from gaining knowledge due to their right to education being barred from them.
The environment and situation pressed down upon civilians from authorities and food insecurity leaves civilians at potential risk for policies and fearful actions to be enforced by local authorities in cities. The move to suspend visa processing endangers civilians more, cornering them from successfully seeking asylum. However, recently this policy made by the Trump administration has been “struck down”. A federal judge recently criticized this policy in a ruling, arguing that it “ignored the law” and “acts without regard for the reliance interests of the applicants”. This invalidates this policy, meaning that visa holders and beneficiaries may finally be able to receive their status and approval.
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