The fate of Afghan allies who served with American troops is uncertain following President Trump’s executive orders in January 2021. The orders called for a list of countries with deficient vetting and screening information that could warrant a travel ban. Efforts are underway to bring eligible Afghans to the U.S. before any potential ban is imposed. Many are waiting for Special Immigrant Visas to travel with their families and receive permanent residence, a process that has been delayed due to incomplete processing by U.S. authorities.
About 37,000 Afghans have been issued Special Immigrant Visas since 2009, but thousands more are still trying to reach the United States. The organization No One Left Behind has been working to support these Afghan allies, providing emergency fundraising campaigns after the suspension of refugee resettlement funding by the State Department. Many Afghans have faced retaliation from the Taliban for assisting the U.S., highlighting the urgent need to relocate them to safety in the U.S. before any travel ban is implemented.
The executive orders signed by President Trump have resulted in the suspension of Afghan relocation efforts, leaving many at risk if they are forced to return to Afghanistan. Republican members of Congress have raised concerns about the impact of these orders on Afghan allies who supported the U.S. mission, calling for action to prevent a potential death sentence for those still waiting to travel to the U.S. No One Left Behind has raised millions of dollars to help Afghan families purchase tickets to fly to the U.S. from neighboring countries.
Aman Jafari, who interpreted for U.S. Navy Seals, arrived in Portland, Ore., after receiving assistance from No One Left Behind to book flights for himself and his family. With veteran groups and other organizations advocating for the relocation of Afghan allies, efforts are being made to ensure those with visas can travel to the U.S. before any travel ban goes into effect. Community organizations and volunteers are providing support to Afghan families in cities like Portland, Rochester, N.Y., and Sacramento as they begin their new lives in the U.S.
While waiting for permanent housing, Mr. Jafari and his family are being supported by No One Left Behind and the Afghan Support Network. The organization aims to help Afghan allies settle in their new country by providing assistance with rental arrangements, job placement, and other services that were previously funded by nonprofits now affected by the executive orders. As efforts continue to relocate Afghan allies to the U.S., supporters and donors are stepping up to ensure that those who risked their lives for the United States have a safe and promising future in their adopted country.
