In brief
An executive order signed by President Trump has drawn criticism from resettlement advocates who argue it jeopardizes the safety of thousands of Afghan citizens, including those who assisted American forces and their families, by suspending refugee admissions to the U.S.
An executive order signed by President Trump on Monday is raising alarms among resettlement advocates, as it suspends refugee admissions into the United States and puts thousands of Afghan citizens at risk. Advocates warn that the order leaves behind many who assisted U.S. missions in Afghanistan during the war and are now fleeing Taliban persecution.Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, a coalition of over 250 organizations dedicated to helping resettle Afghan wartime allies, criticized the directive as an "abandonment" that could endanger the lives of those who served alongside American service members for two decades. He stated that the order, titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” will not only affect Afghans in hiding but also the family members of current U.S. military personnel.The order, effective next Monday, offers no timeline for when the suspension might be lifted, indicating that it will remain in place "until such time as the further entry into the United States of refugees aligns with the interests of the United States." This marks yet another shift in U.S. refugee policy, a historical hallmark of American commitment to human rights.In light of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the swift takeover by the Taliban, the Biden administration initiated Operation Allies Welcome, granting humanitarian entry to 76,000 Afghan evacuees. With this new order, however, advocates fear that thousands of these allies now face an uncertain future and increased risks as they remain vulnerable to Taliban retribution.
