KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – US lawmakers have called on President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to uphold the country’s commitment to “Afghan allies” and reverse policies that block their resettlement to the United States.
Last month, shortly after taking office, Trump signed an executive order halting refugee resettlement to the US, including for Afghan citizens. The order affected thousands of Afghans, including relatives of Afghan American active-duty military personnel and those who fought alongside US forces during America’s two-decade war in Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, Reuters, citing official sources, reported that the US State Department plans to close the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE), which was created to help relocate at-risk Afghans. According to the report, the closure could impact around 200,000 people, including thousands approved for resettlement and awaiting relocation, primarily in Pakistan.
In a post on X on Thursday, Congressman Michael McCaul expressed concern over the potential elimination of US relocation programs for Afghans, urging Secretary Rubio to prioritize fulfilling America’s promise to those who supported US operations in Afghanistan.
McCaul also criticized the previous administration, saying it had abandoned “tens of thousands of Afghan allies who fought and bled alongside US military.”
Meanwhile, Congressman Gregory Meek of New York and Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada criticized the Trump administration’s decision to suspend resettlement programs for Afghans.
Meek, in a post on X, said Trump is abandoning “Afghan allies” who spent years supporting America’s mission in Afghanistan “despite clear, bipartisan congressional intent.”
“It’s critical for American credibility that we fulfill our commitment to those Afghans who fought alongside us,” he said.
Titus, reacting to reports about the closure of the Afghan resettlement office, accused Trump of turning his back on those who risked everything to stand with the US.
“It is disgraceful,” she said.
“CARE has protected thousands of Afghan allies from Taliban reprisal,” she added.
The new development has sparked concern among Afghans awaiting resettlement, advocacy groups, and US veterans. Many fear severe consequences for those who supported the US government in its fight against terrorism and now face the risk of Taliban retaliation.
