TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to End Dangerous and Unlawful Third Country Removals

Background: The Trump administration has been using third country arrangements to deport individuals, including those seeking – or even already granted – humanitarian protections in the United States, to countries where they have no ties or where they may face persecution, detention, torture, or other serious harm. More information about these third country agreements is available here.

For example, multiple reports shed light on the administration’s plans to deport over 100 detained Afghans with final removal orders back to the Taliban via Pakistan, with onward transport to Afghanistan, raising grievous refoulement concerns. UN monitors continue to raise alarm about escalating human rights violations in Afghanistan and the failure of Pakistan and other states to adhere to international law prohibitions against return to persecution and torture. Dozens of Afghans have been transferred to Louisiana in recent weeks in preparation for deportation flights to Pakistan. Several of those impacted fled Afghanistan because their support for the U.S. mission put them at risk, and they are likely to face retribution from the Taliban upon their return. At this point, all of those impacted have final orders of removal. For excellent resources in English, Dari, and Pashto from Project ANAR on the planned deportations, click this link.

Reports from attorneys also indicate that the administration may also soon send another deportation flight forcing Iranians back to Iran, where there continue to be severe war-related risks, including high numbers of civilian casualties and food and water shortages, as well as documented persecution, imprisonment, and abuse of individuals who oppose the government. The individuals deported have included Christian converts, ethnic minorities, and political dissidents.

On the right-hand side, contact your 2 U.S. Senators and 1 U.S. Representative, and urge them to demand that the Trump administration stop third country removals to certain harm and insecurity – in Afghanistan, Iran, and beyond.

RCUSA’s statement in response to these news reports is available here.