For Immediate Release:
June 4, 2025
Press Contact:
Molly Gray, Executive Director
molly@vtafghanalliance.org
Statement on Trump Travel Ban Targeting Afghan Nationals
Burlington, Vt – Executive Director Molly Gray of Vermont Afghan Alliance released the following statement tonight in response to President Trump’s Executive Order banning Afghan nationals from traveling to the United States:
“Citing ‘foreign policy, national security and counterterrorism objectives’ and concerns for a lack of ‘appropriate screening and vetting measures’ by the Taliban, starting ‘12:01am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025’ entry into the United States by nationals of Afghanistan is ‘fully suspended’ according to the order.
Exceptions to the travel ban include ‘lawful permanent residents’ (green card holders) , ‘Afghan special immigrant visas’ and ‘immediate family immigrant visas’.
The order suggests, although does not confirm, special immigrant visas will be processed for the wives and children of Afghan special immigrant visa holders here in the United States. The U.S. told thousands of soldiers who supported U.S. military and intelligence efforts to leave their wives and kids behind on the promise reunification would happen within a year. This August marks four years of separation.
The order suggests, although does not confirm, that special immigrant visa applications (those who are vetted and worked to support U.S. military and diplomatic missions) will continue to be processed for Afghan nationals in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other parts of the world.
It is hard to put into words the absolute horror of this travel ban for Afghan refugees hoping for relocation to the United States from Pakistan pursuant to recent court orders. It is hard to quantify the depravity, bigotry and short-sightedness of such a brazen abandonment of those individuals who risked their lives, over a 21 year period, for the United States in Afghanistan.
This order touches every Afghan resettled here in Vermont, and across the United States. It is blatantly racist, and rooted in unfounded fear and political posturing. Afghan allies trying to come to the United States are highly vetted, in fear for their lives, and are willing to leave behind all they have ever known on the promise of a new life – a promise the United States made to them.
All of us at the Vermont Afghan Alliance will continue to stand with the Afghan community statewide. Tonight our hearts break for the community, and their loved ones worldwide.
We will continue to share analysis and will be available to provide explanation and background. Those wishing to support the Afghan community in Vermont and our work can do so via the website.”
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