U.S. Veto on Immigration Threatens Afghan Family's Plan to Reunite with Their Niece for a Brighter Future
New Lease, Old Struggles: The Sharafoddins' American Dream on Hold
IRMO, South Carolina - Mohammad Sharafoddin, his wife, and their young son once endured a grueling 36-hour trek through the mountains as Afghan refugees, only to find safety and prosperity in the United States years later. Now, their dreams of a brighter future for their family are threatened by a new travel ban.
The Sharafoddins had hoped to bring Mohammad's niece to America, nurturing her aspirations to become a doctor. But on June 9, 2025, the United States will implement travel restrictions for citizens from Afghanistan and a dozen other countries, effectively closing that door.
"When we heard about Afghanistan, we were shocked, especially now that women are more affected than others by the new government," Mohammad shared, referring to the Taliban's harsh rule that bans education for women beyond the sixth grade and restricts their presence in public spaces. "We didn't anticipate this restriction."
The Taliban, which seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, have implemented strict laws that prohibit women from speaking or showing their faces outside the home. These restrictions have further limited opportunities for women in war-torn Afghanistan.
President Donald Trump announced the new restrictions as a measure to boost national security and protect the U.S. from potential threats. The ban includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Critics argue that the ban unfairly targets certain countries, particularly those with high populations of immigrants seeking refuge or reunification in the U.S. Jim Ray, a local resident who has assisted refugee families in South Carolina, expressed concern that the ban would prevent families from being reunited, causing immense distress.
The Taliban have denounced the measure, labeling the U.S. as the world's oppressor. Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada claimed that the restrictions were evidence of the U.S.'s hostility towards the Afghan people.
The Sharafoddins, now well-established in their suburban home, had built a life for themselves in the U.S., offering Nuriya the opportunities she was denied under the Taliban regime – the chance to learn English and drive. The family continues to hold onto hopes for a brighter, better future, not just for themselves, but for their loved ones left behind in Afghanistan.
Reunited, But Separated
Nuriya's dream was for her niece to join them in America, giving her a chance to pursue her dreams. The couple had envisioned their niece continuing her education in the U.S. Now, they face an uncertain future.
"I'm not ready to call her yet. It's not good news. It's devastating news because she's worried and wants to come," Nuriya said, tears in her eyes. Ray, who has assisted numerous refugee families, shared the Afghanistan community's collective disappointment: "We'll have to wait and see how the restriction plays out and its details. The situation where families can't reunite is what hurts the most."
As the June 9 deadline approaches, the Sharafoddins – like numerous others – wait in silence, their American dreams momentarily beyond their reach.
[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-titles-sections-686-688/[2] https://www.state.gov/security-regarding-the-uscis-visa-screening-and-vetting-procedures/[3] https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/immigrants-rights-and-due-process/travel-ban-faqs[4] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2021-06-21/trump-travel-ban-will-be-case-closed-on-june-22-judge-says
"In light of the impending travel ban on June 9, 2025, the Sharafoddins' dream of reuniting their family with Nuriya in America seems to be slipping away,"
"The travel restrictions, which include citizens from Afghanistan, will affect numerous families like the Sharafoddins, causing them immense distress and preventing them from being reunited."
