U.S. Lawmakers Urge Resumption of Afghan Refugee Resettlement Program

A group of Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. Congress has called for the immediate restoration of Afghan refugee resettlement services, urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reverse recent suspensions and ensure continued support for those already in the U.S. and those awaiting relocation.

In a letter sent on January 29, 2025, Representatives Jamie Raskin and Pramila Jayapal, along with Senators Dick Durbin and Alex Padilla, emphasized that the suspension of these services places thousands of vulnerable refugees at risk. They highlighted that over 32,000 refugees have arrived in the U.S. since the start of the fiscal year, with many relying on the Reception and Placement (R&P) program for necessities such as housing, food, and medical support.

The lawmakers also raised concerns about approximately 10,000 Afghan nationals in the U.S. under the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, granted to those who assisted U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The abrupt halt in resettlement services, they argue, undermines legal obligations and could lead to increased homelessness and food insecurity.

Refugees Face Uncertainty in Pakistan

Many Afghan refugees awaiting the processing of their SIV applications in Pakistan report an increasingly precarious situation. Some claim that police raids targeting Afghan refugees have intensified in recent days, heightening fears of deportation or indefinite uncertainty.

Meena Amiri, an Afghan refugee who has spent the past three years navigating the SIV process in Pakistan, told Yaraan: “We have no future if we return to Afghanistan. We have no home, security, or safe environment for our children to study. We sold all our belongings and came to Pakistan with the hope of moving forward, but now we are stranded in despair. We hope the new Secretary of State will help restart the relocation program.”

Another refugee, Sayeed Agha, echoed these concerns: “We have no option but to wait and see what happens. We hope the pressure from U.S. politicians leads to a positive outcome and that the program resumes soon.”

Afghan Women Activists Seek Support from First Lady Melania Trump

Continued Support for Resettled Afghans in the U.S.

Democratic lawmakers urged the resumption of refugee transfers and called for continued support services for Afghan refugees already in the United States. They emphasized that these services are crucial in helping resettled refugees integrate successfully.

Trump’s executive order, issued on his first day in office, halted refugee admissions for 90 days, causing significant delays for thousands of Afghan applicants. Many of these individuals had previously worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan and are currently awaiting the processing of their cases in countries such as Pakistan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Albania.

The U.S. government has defended the temporary suspension, stating that even former Afghan allies of the American military require thorough security vetting before resettlement. However, the delay has left thousands uncertain, with many fearing for their safety amid shifting immigration policies.

Lawmakers argue that the suspension contradicts the U.S.’s legal and moral obligations to its allies, urging the Biden administration to act swiftly in restoring and expanding refugee resettlement efforts.