Afghan Immigrant in Washington Races Against Time to Reunite Family Amid Travel Ban

Impact of the Travel Ban on Washington’s Afghan Community

As the Trump-era travel ban takes effect, immigrant families across the United States face an uncertain future. Among them is Mohammad Janis Shinwari, an Afghan immigrant residing in Washington state, who is working tirelessly to bring his loved ones to safety before the ban closes doors permanently.

The travel restrictions, which affect multiple predominantly Muslim countries including Iran, Somalia, and Syria, have sparked widespread concern among immigrant communities. While Afghanistan is not directly listed among the banned countries, the repercussions are being felt by Afghan nationals who were in the process of securing visas for their families.

Janis Shinwari: An Ally Turned Refugee

Shinwari, who served as an interpreter for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, now lives in Seattle. His life was once saved by American soldiers, and in return, he helped American troops navigate one of the most dangerous war zones on earth. Today, he is fighting a different battle—against bureaucracy and time—to reunite with his wife and children still trapped in Afghanistan.

His efforts come at a critical moment as the bureaucracy slows down due to policy shifts and heightened security measures under the travel ban.

Challenges Immigrants Face Amid New Restrictions

The travel ban has created a ripple effect across the legal immigration system. Applicants from certain countries are now subjected to heightened scrutiny, more documentation requirements, and longer wait times. This adversely impacts individuals like Shinwari whose families are stuck in the backlog of visa applications.

• Visa delays: Processing times for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) have increased dramatically.
• Increased scrutiny: Additional background checks and vetting procedures often stall applications for months.
• Emotional toll: Prolonged separation leads to mental and emotional stress for both immigrants and their families.

Local Support and Advocacy

Washington State has been on the front lines of opposing the travel ban. Governor Jay Inslee has publicly spoken against it, and several local advocacy groups have stepped in to provide legal aid and emotional support to families affected. Organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and ACLU are working with immigrants like Shinwari to help them navigate complex immigration policies.

How the Community Can Help

Advocates stress that the public can play a crucial role by:

• Contacting their congressional representatives to oppose the travel ban
• Donating to immigrant support organizations
• Volunteering as legal or translation assistance for refugees and asylum seekers

A Race Against Time

As the clock ticks, Janis Shinwari is in a race not just against policy deadlines, but against the dangers his family faces in a volatile region. He fears that delays in the system could cost his family their safety — or even their lives.

His story is one of countless others that reveal the human cost of political decisions. While the courts and politicians debate policy, families like Shinwari’s remain in painful limbo, hoping for a chance to reunite and rebuild.