A coalition of U.S. veterans, officials, and concerned citizens is urging President-elect Donald Trump to uphold the nation’s commitment to Afghan allies. They’re calling for the continuation of vital programs that offer refuge to those who risked their lives aiding American forces during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan. This plea comes amid fears that Trump’s hardline stance on immigration could leave these vulnerable individuals stranded. Here’s what’s at stake:
- The Stakes: Hundreds of veterans and officials are pushing for the preservation of Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) for Afghans who helped the U.S.
- The Fear: There’s concern that Trump’s administration might halt or reduce the resettlement of these at-risk Afghans.
- The Demand: An additional 50,000 SIVs are needed to meet the demand.
A Plea for Our Afghan Allies
In a powerful move, a letter signed by hundreds of veterans, current and former U.S. officials, and other concerned citizens is being sent to President-elect Donald Trump and congressional leaders. Organized by #AfghanEvac, a leading coalition supporting Afghan resettlement, the letter makes a heartfelt appeal to continue providing safe haven for Afghan allies.
“Many of us have worked closely with Afghan interpreters, soldiers and families who risked everything to protect and guide us,” the letter states, emphasizing the moral obligation to stand by those who stood by the U.S.
Why the Urgency?
The current cap on Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) is projected to run out by late summer or early fall. This is happening while thousands of Afghans who worked alongside American forces remain under threat from the Taliban.
The Bureaucratic Hurdles
There’s a genuine concern that Trump’s administration, particularly with Stephen Miller as a key advisor, could reinstate bureaucratic barriers that slowed down SIV processing during his first term. These measures, including what was called “extreme vetting,” created a backlog and left many in limbo. This leads to fears that these programs would face further delays or be stopped completely, abandoning our Afghan allies once more.
Who’s Fighting for Afghan Resettlement?
Despite the concerns, not everyone in Trump’s circle is against the program. Michael Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser and a former special forces officer who served in Afghanistan, is a vocal advocate for the SIV and resettlement programs. This indicates an internal debate within the administration. While Trump made border security and restricting immigration a key campaign point, the pressure from veterans and officials highlight the humanitarian aspect of the issue.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
Since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, over 183,000 at-risk Afghans have been resettled in the United States. These individuals, including those who worked for the U.S. military and other affiliated groups, remain at risk, as the UN reports indicate that Taliban authorities have killed, arrested, and tortured hundreds of former officials and soldiers. Despite the Taliban’s claim of amnesty, these reports show the continuing danger.
What’s Next?
As of now, more than 20,000 SIV applications are being processed, not including the families of the applicants. Unfortunately, about 40 percent of completed applications have been rejected, so the situation is very dire. The letter, which has gathered over 380 signatures, including high profile veterans and officials, will be delivered to Trump’s team and congressional leaders, next week. The goal is to persuade the government to continue these vital programs and approve additional visas so that the U.S. can live up to its obligations to the people who helped it during a difficult conflict.
The stakes are incredibly high, and for many, this isn’t just a political debate—it’s a matter of life and death.
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