On the 4th Anniversary of the Fall of Kabul, Refugee Congress Again Calls on Congress to Fulfill Its Promises to Allies

August 15th marks four years since the Fall of Kabul, when the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan, triggering a humanitarian crisis that displaced more than 125,000 Afghans. While many who risked their lives in support of the 20-year U.S. military mission were able to resettle in the United States, recent policy changes by the Trump administration now threaten the safety of thousands of resettled Afghans.

Last month, the administration terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan and Cameroon, which impacts nearly 8,000 Afghans living and working in the U.S. Revocation of TPS strips Afghans of their ability to work and provide for their families, and places thousands at risk of deportation. Additionally, Afghan resettlement referral programs P-1 (Priority 1) and P-2 have been paused, a travel ban on Afghanistan and 18 other countries keeps families separated, and new restrictions on F-1 student visas have left hopeful young Afghans in limbo.

Despite statements from the administration that Afghanistan has “an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevents them from returning to their home country”, the reality is that conditions in Afghanistan today continue to be deeply unsafe. Women and girls face extreme restrictions and targeted violence under Taliban rule. Those who worked for the former Afghan government or alongside the U.S. military remain at high risk of persecution and harm. Afghans who sought safety in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran are now being deported back to danger. 

Since evacuating in 2021, the U.S. has been unable to fully uphold its moral and legal obligations to our Afghan allies. Over the years, bipartisan legislation like the Afghan Adjustment Act have been introduced to provide safe pathways for Afghans who worked with U.S. troops and officials, but have never been passed. This month, legislators re-introduced the Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act, which would provide an opportunity for relocated Afghans to apply to become lawful permanent residents.

Refugee Congress calls on Congress to honor its promises by restoring TPS and passing the Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act. Failure to act puts our Afghan neighbors, colleagues, and friends in danger and undermines U.S. trust and leadership to allies around the world. Our leaders must demonstrate that the United States keeps its word, protects those who are seeking safety, and ensures Afghan families can rebuild their lives in dignity.

“I am deeply disheartened by the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, and by the harmful policies the administration has adopted. Termination of TPS for Afghanistan, the pause of the P-1 and P-2 Afghan refugee resettlement referral programs, and tightened F-1 student visa rules and immigration fears have left countless vulnerable individuals in indefinite limbo and uncertainty. These policies paint a devastating picture that will have harmful consequences for many – especially ethnic minorities, women, and former allies of the U.S.,” said Sateza Safi, Delegate for Oklahoma. “We urge the administration to reverse these policies and commit to meaningful protection for those who cannot return home. We urge Congress to finally pass the bipartisan supported Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act to keep our promises and protect those who remain in danger back home.”

“It has been four years since the fall of Afghanistan, yet for many Afghans the pain feels fresh every day. Afghan families in the U.S. and overseas remain in limbo. With TPS ending and no progress on the Afghan Adjustment Act, the promise of safety is being taken away again. Congress must act quickly to provide permanency and security for our Afghan allies – honoring the commitments made to those who risked their lives for us,” said S.D., Delegate for New Mexico. “Passing the Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act is not just policy; it is a moral obligation. Delaying action leaves families in fear and uncertainty and is a betrayal of our allies and our values. Promises made in this way must not be broken in peace.”