A leaked directive reveals that the State Department is considering closing the office responsible for resettling Afghan refugees in the United States. This move could affect the lives of up to 200,000 Afghans, including those who risked their lives working with the U.S. government. Is America breaking its promise? Read on to find out!
- Potential Closure: The State Department office overseeing Afghan resettlement may close by April.
- Impact: Up to 200,000 Afghans could be denied resettlement in the U.S.
- Affected Groups: Includes families of Afghan-Americans, children awaiting reunification, and those who worked for the U.S. during the war.
- Location of Stranded Refugees: Qatar and Albania.
- Decision Makers: Rubio, Hegseth, Noem, Waltz, and Trump will decide.
Is America Betraying Its Allies?
The State Department office in charge of resettling Afghans in the U.S. has reportedly been told to draw up plans for closure by April. According to a U.S. official, a prominent advocate, and other inside sources, this decision could slam the door shut on new lives in America for up to 200,000 people. This is a big deal, and people are not happy about it!
Who Will Be Affected?
Think about the families of Afghan-American U.S. military personnel, children waiting to be reunited with their parents, and the many Afghans who risked everything to work for the U.S. government during the 20-year war. All of these people could be left in the lurch. It’s a heartbreaking situation.
“A National Disgrace”
Shawn VanDiver, founder of #AfghanEvac, a major coalition of veterans and advocacy groups, didn’t mince words. He called the potential closure “a national disgrace, a betrayal of our Afghan allies, of the veterans who fought for them, and of America’s word.” Ouch! It’s a strong statement, but it reflects the anger and disappointment many feel about this situation.
Why Is This Happening?
While the White House and State Department haven’t commented yet, this development comes as the administration is pushing for staff cuts in embassies worldwide and a government-wide drive to slash spending. The Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) was initially set up as a temporary measure during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. It was meant to help Afghans at risk from Taliban retaliation because of their work with the U.S. government. It became permanent in October 2022 and has since helped resettle around 118,000 people.
Processing Centers in Limbo
The closure plans would affect processing centers run by CARE in Qatar and Albania. These centers currently house almost 3,000 Afghans who have been vetted for U.S. resettlement as refugees or Special Immigration Visa (SIV) holders. Some have been stuck there for months! Among them are over 20 unaccompanied minors waiting to be reunited with their parents. They are living in modular housing, receiving food and basic necessities. But programs for mental health and children have already been cut due to a Trump-ordered foreign aid freeze, a source said.
Who Decides?
The options for closing CARE are reportedly being prepared for Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Trump’s national security adviser Michael Waltz, are expected to make the final decision. According to sources, “There are definitely all options (for closing CARE) being considered.”
The Bigger Picture
Since Trump took office, he has launched an immigration crackdown, halting the U.S. refugee program and foreign aid that funded flights to the U.S. for Afghans cleared for resettlement. These reviews were meant to assess the efficiency of the refugee and foreign aid programs and ensure they align with Trump’s foreign policy.
What’s at Stake?
A permanent shutdown of CARE could leave up to 200,000 Afghans without a path to the U.S., including those in Afghanistan awaiting SIV and refugee status applications, those vetted and cleared for flights, and an estimated 50,000 others stranded in nearly 90 countries.
The Taliban’s Response
UN reports claim that the Taliban have been jailing, torturing, and killing Afghans who worked for the former Western-backed government. While the Taliban deny these allegations and claim to have approved a general amnesty for former government soldiers and officials, the reality on the ground remains uncertain. It is worth noting that, while the Taliban deny such actions, various sources and human rights organizations continue to report on abuses.
The Impact on International Relations
The potential closure of CARE could strain relations with countries that have been assisting with the resettlement efforts and raise questions about America’s commitment to its allies. The United States’ credibility on the international stage could be significantly impacted if it is seen as abandoning those who put their lives on the line to support its mission in Afghanistan.
What Happens Next?
The coming weeks will be critical as the decision-makers weigh the options for CARE. The fate of thousands of Afghans hangs in the balance, as well as America’s reputation as a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge.
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