On Jan. 28, 140 Afghan semifinalists hoping for a chance to study at U.S. universities through the Fulbright Student Program received devastating news via email.
Citing “significant barriers impeding our ability to provide a safe exchange experience,” the State Department canceled the Afghan Fulbright program. And not just for current semifinalists, but also for future cohorts. Semifinalist and journalist Mokhtar Yasa told the Washington Examiner it was the “most disappointing and crushing email in [his] life.” Yasa believes the State Department provided “no clear and convincing reason” for its “unfair and unjust” decision.
Heather Nauert, who is an appointed member of the 12-person Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, learned of the program’s cancellation in an ABC News article. Nauert, who formerly held the positions of acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs and State Department spokeswoman, told the Washington Examiner that as of Feb. 4, the State Department had not communicated with the board about its decision.
Nauert said she voiced her “passion and concern” for Afghan Fulbright scholars in multiple meetings, phone calls, and emails with State Department officials. Making “the final decision … without consulting [the board] is inexcusable. It tells me that they’re embarrassed by the decision that was made … and they’re not willing to tackle this head-on with members of the board.”
Not only did the State Department “pull out the rug from under these scholars who had so much hope … in the U.S. and what the U.S. had to offer in terms of an education [and] dreams about the future,” but Nauert said she believes “every Fulbright scholar around the world, current and former … won’t know if the U.S. is going to have their back or support them.”
At a minimum, Nauert said current semifinalists should be allowed to continue the process using workarounds that encourage safety. For instance, Nauert said semifinalists could travel to another country for visa processing, as Fulbright scholars in Venezuela do. Since the U.S. government has collected a plethora of data about each student’s background, Nauert also said she feels the State Department could make a one-time exception for scholars’ final interviews to be conducted virtually.
The class of 100 Afghan scholars currently studying in the United States already navigated great difficulty to achieve their educational aspirations, Nauert explained. “The State Department got some of [the students] out before Kabul fell to the Taliban, but a lot of them only got out because people like me and others advocated for them.”
Nauert helped one scholar evacuate through Kabul airport in the chaos of the U.S. withdrawal. He provided updates via text at each step of his journey, including a photograph of his tear-filled face after the Taliban beat him. Nauert said the student is studying in Chicago and communicates with her regularly.
Nauert also acknowledged that current Afghan Fulbright scholars’ danger is not over. When their studies conclude, students’ visas expire. “We’re going to have to advocate on their behalf to get their universities to extend their visas so they don’t have to go back to this war-torn country,” she explained.
Leaving Afghanistan may be difficult for Fulbright semifinalists, but remaining there is also dangerous. Yasa said he gave up prior opportunities to be evacuated from Afghanistan because he hoped to achieve a Fulbright scholarship. He said that “the risk of being persecuted, arrested, and even killed is part of my daily life.” Yasa said five of his colleagues have been arrested by the Taliban and that two were severely tortured.
“Being a Fulbright semifinalist,” Yasa added, makes him a “more legitimate target.” He explained that the Taliban tried to infiltrate a Twitter Space for Fulbright scholars last week. “They are using any means and excuse to persecute me,” Yasa said. “I would take any risk to pursue my dream and education. Because that’s the only way for me to fight back and save my country and community.”
Yasa and his fellow semifinalists have not given up their fight. They plan to reach out to U.S. senators and representatives to convince the State Department to change its decision.
Beth Bailey (@BWBailey85) is a freelance writer from the Detroit area.
