In a shocking move, Iran has ordered millions of Afghan migrants to leave the country by July 6, 2023, or face arrest, igniting fears of mass deportations and humanitarian crises. With over 6 million Afghans residing in Iran—many for decades—this sudden policy shift marks a dramatic departure from the country’s previously lenient stance toward its Afghan population.

The Iranian government has launched a deportation campaign that has already forced more than 700,000 Afghans to flee, with hundreds of thousands more facing imminent expulsion. The atmosphere has grown increasingly hostile, as Afghans are being scapegoated for Iran’s economic woes, social issues, and security concerns, largely fueled by inflammatory political rhetoric and social media campaigns. The government claims these deportations are necessary due to alleged criminal activities among some Afghans—claims that remain largely unproven.

Betul, who runs an Afghan restaurant in Tehran, expresses the deep emotional turmoil felt by many: “Being born in Iran gives us the feeling of having two homelands. It’s heartbreaking to see people sent away from the only home they’ve ever known.” Families are being torn apart, with students like Muhammad left alone as their loved ones are forced to return to Afghanistan, a country already grappling with instability and humanitarian crises.

The United Nations warns that these mass deportations could further destabilize Afghanistan, where over half the population relies on humanitarian aid that is already dwindling. As the clock ticks down to the July 6 deadline, thousands of families live in fear of being uprooted once again, their lives hanging in the balance. The world watches as Iran’s crackdown on its Afghan community escalates, raising urgent questions about human rights and the future of millions caught in this unfolding tragedy.