A group of more than 80 Afghan women studying in Oman under a U.S.-funded scholarship program are facing imminent deportation to Afghanistan after the program was canceled as part of the Trump administration’s cuts to foreign aid. The students received an email informing them of the termination of the program, leaving them at risk of persecution and life-threatening risks if they return to Afghanistan. The Afghan women are appealing for urgent help to continue their studies abroad and avoid a bleak future in their home country under Taliban rule. The program for female scholars was launched in 2019 with $50 million from USAID and has covered costs through interest from the endowment. Nonprofit groups are working with the government of Oman to try to resolve the situation and prevent the deportation of the Afghan students. In response to the cancellation of the scholarship program, critics have called the move shameful and urged the Trump administration to reverse course to save the lives of these bright young women who now face a dangerous predicament due to the cancellation of their scholarship funding. The re-imposition of restrictions on women under Taliban rule in Afghanistan has raised concerns about the safety and future of the Afghan students if they are forced to return.
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