Afghan Refugees Stranded in a U.S. Base in Qatar (Video)

(DOHA, Qatar)— April the 20^th marks 90 days since the suspension of the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the Trump administration will decide on the life of these refugees stuck all around the world.

<a href="https://youtu.be/TIy1L7VoLoM">https://youtu.be/TqFz9MMBxjU</a>

On Jan 20th, 2025, the first day Donald Trump assumed the presidency he signed an executive order titled “REALIGNING THE UNITED STATES REFUGEE ADMISSIONS PROGRAM” suspending the admission of any refugee into the United States for 90 days until the secretary of Homeland Security and secretary of State submit a report determining whether resuming the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is in the interest of the United States. His lone signature immediately impacted the lives of refugees across the globe, and that of those who are working to process their claims for asylum.

August 30th 2025 will mark four years since the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, since then, thousands of Afghan refugees have been further displaced by the American withdrawal. According to the UNHCR, there are now about 11 million refugees displaced from their homes. Hundreds of these refugees are now in a former American military base (in 2023 it became under the American Department of State) in the state of Qatar where the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency, operates. Them and in collaboration with the American military, process these men, women, and children to determine if they are to be repatriated to the US or another country. Now this program has been suspended due to President Trump’s executive order.

“A complete stop work order…in the middle of the interview, people were directed to stop the interview, escort the refugees out, no questions asked, and in the middle of maybe someone who’s departing tomorrow, canceled” This statement is from Aly Elbedewy, a former IOM worker who was laid off after the executive order was placed, he spoke to the Click about the situation.  “We were told that the place we once advertised to all refugees to come to, and this is the safe haven if you experience any form of harm…you come to this place and we will act accordingly, right? Suddenly, those units were told you are not allowed to interact with the applicants at all. you’re not allowed to talk to them”

As the 90 days deadline came closer, Elbedewy explained how the lives of these Afghan refugees are now in limbo.