Washington: The advocacy group AfghanEvac has appealed to the U.S. Congress to prioritize the plight of Afghan refugees during this week’s budget hearings, which are being attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In an open letter, the organization warned that over 212,000 individuals remain stranded in Afghanistan, while tens of thousands more face uncertain futures in 75 countries, including Pakistan.
AfghanEvac stressed the importance of immediate action, stating: “This week’s hearings with Secretary Rubio mark a crucial opportunity for Congress to reaffirm its responsibility toward the thousands of Afghan allies still awaiting protection and relocation. With over 212,000 people stuck in Afghanistan and many more scattered worldwide, this is a test of America’s moral leadership and global credibility.”
In Pakistan, several Afghan immigration applicants are calling on the U.S. to restart their resettlement processes. “We’ve waited for years since the program was halted. We hope the upcoming congressional hearings will lead to concrete steps toward processing our cases,” said an applicant.
The appeals come amid growing uncertainty following President Donald Trump’s executive order on January 20, which paused the U.S. refugee program. Four months later, the future remains unclear for thousands of displaced Afghans seeking safety and stability.
