In a heartfelt letter to the editor of Dagens Nyheter, sisters Diya and Kani Hassan, who are Kurdish asylum seekers from Iraq, express their concerns regarding the recent announcement of a pause on teenage deportations in Sweden. They question how a nation that promotes values of integration, safety, and responsibility can justify sending away young individuals who have grown up in the country, resulting in separation from their families and forcing them into uncertain and dangerous environments. Their personal experiences serve to highlight the grave implications of such policies on the lives of young people in Sweden.

The sisters reflect on their arrival in Sweden in 2018 and their ongoing anxiety regarding the threat of deportation. They emphasize that the announcement of a pause should not merely be symbolic or lead to false hopes for those affected. Instead, they call for genuine action and commitment from the government to reassess these deportation policies, which they see as fundamentally opposing the ideals of a compassionate, inclusive society. The letter seeks to engage Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson directly, demonstrating their desire for accountability and genuine dialogue regarding the treatment of vulnerable youth.

This powerful message underscores the broader societal issue of how countries address immigration and asylum policies, particularly for minors. The sisters' plea serves as a reminder of the human consequences of political decisions and calls for a deeper understanding of the narratives of those facing deportation. They ask society to reflect on its values and the real impact of its policies on individual lives, urging a shift towards decisions that prioritize the well-being and futures of these young individuals, rather than merely adhering to bureaucratic procedures.