Nearly 500,000 Afghans Return from Iran Amid Forced Deportations

Nearly half a million Afghan refugees have been forcibly returned from Iran since June 1, following Tehran's deadline for undocumented Afghan nationals to leave by July 6. Many of these returnees report facing harsh treatment in Iran, including beatings, discrimination, and loss of personal belongings, with some unable to recover prepaid rent or property left behind. The mass deportations are causing significant strain on Afghanistan, where economic conditions are deteriorating and humanitarian needs remain urgent. The Taliban is attempting to relocate returnees from the border to less populated areas, but many face uncertainty, displacement, and family separations. Meanwhile, in the U.S., approximately 12,000 Afghans with Temporary Protected Status face possible deportation as the status is set to expire, raising concerns about their safety and America's reputation for honoring commitments to its allies. Lawmakers from both parties warn that deporting these individuals could damage U.S. national security and moral standing.