Discussion Underway for Deportations to Afghanistan by Federal Authorities
In a recent development, Germany's Federal Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, has advocated for concluding agreements with Afghanistan on returns, signifying a potential shift in the country's immigration policies. Meanwhile, in a different context, the lock at Aldegund in the Moselle region prepares for emergency operation, following damage from a ship accident.
The lock at Aldegund, located in the district of Cochem-Zell, will commence emergency operation tomorrow, managed by the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping. Initial inland vessels waiting for further travel will undergo a trial phase at the lock during this period.
In a separate, more contentious matter, the federal government is facilitating deportations to Afghanistan, primarily through the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans and the implementation of travel bans on Afghan nationals.
On May 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it would terminate TPS for Afghanistan, removing deportation protections for thousands of Afghans in the U.S. This decision was justified by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who claimed that Afghanistan’s security situation and economy had improved sufficiently to allow return. However, various sources have warned about ongoing violence, civil unrest, and terrorism in Afghanistan under Taliban control.
Concurrently, President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the U.S., starting June 9, 2025, with limited exceptions for those eligible for Special Immigrant Visas (SIV). The ban cited the Taliban, designated as a global terrorist group, as the controlling authority in Afghanistan, the lack of a competent central government to issue documents, and high visa overstay rates as reasons for the prohibition.
These policies have drawn significant criticism from advocacy groups and Afghan allies, who argue that the U.S. is breaking promises to protect Afghans who supported the U.S. mission and are now at grave risk of persecution if deported. Advocates highlight that many deportees include former government officials, human rights defenders, women, and other vulnerable populations.
Despite U.S. government claims of improved conditions, the State Department continues to advise against travel to Afghanistan due to ongoing conflict and instability, creating a disconnect between official deportation policies and on-the-ground risks faced by returnees.
In Berlin, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius confirmed discussions on deportations at various levels. However, he emphasised that no concession has been made to recognise radical Islamists. These discussions and the ongoing U.S. policies have sparked debate and concern among human rights groups and Afghan allies.
As the lock at Aldegund prepares for emergency operation and the federal government navigates the complexities of deportation policies, the intersection of these two issues underscores the need for careful consideration and balanced decision-making.
Tomorrow, the lock at Aldegund in the district of Cochem-Zell will commence emergency operation, managed by the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping, as part of the general news. Meanwhile, the federal government's policy-and-legislation on deportations to Afghanistan, including the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and travel bans on Afghan nationals, has drawn significant criticism, especially from human rights groups and Afghan allies in the realm of politics.
