A South Carolina family from Afghanistan is facing a devastating blow after the US imposed a travel ban for people from Afghanistan and 12 other countries. The ban, signed by President Donald Trump, targets countries deemed to have deficient screening of their citizens, refusal to take them back, and high rates of visa overstay.
Mohammad Sharafoddin, his wife Nuriya, and son walked for 36 hours in a row as refugees from Afghanistan, eventually settling in the US. They had hoped to bring their young niece to the country to pursue her education, but now that dream seems out of reach.
Under Taliban rule, girls’ education is barred beyond sixth grade, employment is restricted, and many public spaces are closed. The ban affects thousands of Afghan refugees who have resettled in countries like the US, including the Sharafoddin family.
“We didn’t think about this travel ban,” said Mohammad Sharafoddin, referring to the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights. “It’s a shock for us.”
The ban allows spouses, children, and parents of Afghan nationals to enter the US, but excludes other family members. Many Afghans are now facing financial hardship as their paths to help are closed.
The Taliban have criticized Trump for the ban, with their top leader Hibatullah Akhundzada calling it an act of oppression.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-afghanistan-d8221314a74a83a80cec37dd1bf101bd