Afghan refugee Mohammad Sharafoddin and his family found freedom and opportunity in America, but now face heartbreak as new travel restrictions prevent them from reuniting with family still trapped under Taliban rule.
At a Glance
- Mohammad Sharafoddin and his family escaped Afghanistan through a grueling 36-hour journey and now live in Irmo, South Carolina
- The family has successfully integrated into American society with significant help from local community members
- President Trump’s travel ban affecting Afghanistan and 12 other countries has prevented them from bringing their niece to safety
- In America, Sharafoddin’s wife has freedoms unavailable under Taliban rule, including learning English and driving
- The ban includes exceptions for Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas who worked with the U.S. government
From Persecution to Freedom
Mohammad Sharafoddin and his family embarked on a perilous escape from Afghanistan, traveling through several countries before finally reaching the United States. Their journey was marked by danger and uncertainty, but driven by the promise of safety and opportunity that America represented. Upon arrival, the family was initially processed at Fort Pickett in Virginia, a military installation serving as a refugee processing center. Despite the challenges of displacement, they maintained optimism about building a new life in America, free from the threats they faced in their homeland.
Thank you for all that you have done and are doing. May God bless you and your family as you build a new life in America. https://t.co/3OsM2YEhEp
— U.S. Ambassador to Albania (@USAmbAlbania) March 22, 2022
American Community Steps Up
The Sharafoddin family’s transition to American life was significantly eased by the generosity of local community members, particularly Travis Ervin. Ervin provided essential support, helping the family navigate administrative hurdles such as school registration for the children. The community demonstrated remarkable Southern hospitality through financial and material assistance, including the donation of a vehicle. These acts of kindness played a crucial role in helping the family adapt to their new environment and establish roots in their community.
“I’m very happy to be here now, because my son is very good at school and my daughter also. I think after 18 years they are going to work, and my daughter is going to be able to go to college,” said Nuriya Sharafoddin.
Daily routines and cultural exchanges, such as learning to mow lawns, became important stepping stones in the family’s integration process. Within just two years, Mohammad’s family achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming fluent in English. For his wife Nuriya, America has offered opportunities that would have been impossible under Taliban rule, including learning to drive and pursuing education—freedoms denied to women in Afghanistan. Their children have thrived in American schools, embracing educational opportunities with enthusiasm.
New Travel Ban Creates Family Separation
The Sharafoddin family’s success story in America has been tempered by a significant setback. A new travel ban signed by President Donald Trump affects Afghanistan and 12 other countries, preventing them from bringing their niece to the United States. The ban, similar to one from Trump’s first administration but expanded to include more countries, cites deficient screening processes, refusal to accept deported citizens, and high visa overstay rates as justifications. While exceptions exist for Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas who worked with the U.S. government, the ban does not allow for extended family reunification.
“It’s kind of shock for us when we hear about Afghanistan, especially right now for ladies who are affected more than others with the new government. We didn’t think about this travel ban,” said Mohammad Sharafoddin.
The situation is particularly distressing for the Sharafoddins because their niece in Afghanistan can no longer pursue her education due to Taliban restrictions on female education. Afghanistan has been a major source of resettled refugees, with approximately 14,000 arrivals in the year leading up to September 2024. The Taliban has criticized the U.S. travel ban as oppressive, creating an ironic situation where both the American policy and Taliban rule are simultaneously restricting the young woman’s opportunities for a better future.
