What happens when promises are broken? Afghan allies, who bravely supported the U.S. military, now face perilous uncertainty as pathways to safety are revoked. This isn’t just a humanitarian crisis; it’s a stark national security concern. Can America afford to abandon those who risked everything for us?
The United States faces mounting pressure to uphold its commitments to Afghan allies who bravely supported the military mission, as crucial pathways to safety have been severely curtailed under new immigration policies.
For many Afghans, the promise of refuge in America was a direct exchange for their invaluable service and cooperation with U.S. forces, a pact now broken, leaving thousands vulnerable to grave dangers and undermining future international trust.
In response to this humanitarian crisis and national security concern, a bipartisan effort is underway in Congress. Democratic Rep. Scott Peters, alongside dedicated Afghan advocates, is championing legislation aimed at revitalizing and strengthening the critical office responsible for the resettlement of these imperiled individuals.
Following the significant withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021, a number of programs were established to facilitate the safe passage of allies. Approximately 195,000 Afghans have since found new homes in the United States through initiatives such as the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and Humanitarian Parole.
However, these vital safety nets have seen drastic cutbacks or outright elimination, particularly since the current administration took office. Notably, the cancellation of TPS for Afghans in May revoked temporary authorization for many to live and work, while the SIV program, though technically operational, languishes under a significant backlog, effectively halting processing.
Shawn VanDiver, founder of a prominent nonprofit supporting Afghan asylum-seekers and refugees, powerfully articulated the broader implications, stating, “Breaking these promises not only hurts Afghan families, it sends a signal to the world that the United States cannot be trusted.” This sentiment underscores a profound national security risk.
An estimated 212,000 Afghans remain in dire peril within Afghanistan, their lives hanging in the balance due to the revoked pathways. The ripple effect extends even to U.S. communities, particularly in areas like San Diego, which boasts a large concentration of military personnel and veterans, many of whom served in Afghanistan and feel a deep connection to their former allies.
The uncertainty extends beyond those overseas, impacting Afghans legally resettled in the United States. Immigration attorney Milan Raufy highlighted cases where individuals with green cards have faced inexplicable revocation, fueling widespread anxiety and depression among families fearing for their children’s future.
Appaswamy “Vino” Pajanor further emphasized that these are individuals who underwent rigorous vetting processes to assist the U.S. government, yet are now facing the unjust label of being threats. The White House has reportedly dismantled key pathways by restructuring the State Department team overseeing the Critical Assistance and Resettlement (CARE) office, which is crucial for facilitating resettlement and family reunification.
