Veterans Call on Trump Administration to Maintain Support for Afghan Allies Amid Budget Concerns

Veterans Call on Trump Administration to Maintain Support for Afghan Allies Amid Budget Concerns

A leaked budget proposal from the White House Office of Management and Budget, dated April 10, has raised alarms about the future of support for Afghan allies. This proposal, sent to the U.S. State Department, specifically addresses the ongoing efforts to assist Afghans awaiting relocation to the United States through the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts program, known as CARE.

The budget plan suggests halting additional funding for CARE, reallocating its existing $600 million balance to facilitate the program’s shutdown by the end of the fiscal year 2025. This proposal has sparked concerns among veterans and advocates who fear that it endangers the lives of Afghan allies.

Officials from the National Security Council and State Department have not provided clarity on whether the remaining funds will help transport Afghans eligible for the Special Immigrant Visa or those affected by the paused U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Speculation remains about whether these funds will be enacted to close processing platforms in locations like the Philippines, Qatar, and Albania.

Contrary to the silence from key government entities, a spokesperson from the State Department assured Fox News Digital that the Department is contemplating the future of CARE, emphasizing that no final decisions have been reached yet. The spokesperson highlighted that CARE continues to support Afghan partners already relocated at various processing sites.

Veterans Raise Concerns Over Program Changes

Veteran advocates have voiced strong opposition to the proposed closure of CARE, emphasizing its significance to both the credibility of the United States and the safety of countless Afghan allies. Shawn VanDiver, a U.S. Navy veteran and founder of the #AfghanEvac coalition, described Operation Enduring Welcome as an unprecedented safe and legal immigration opportunity. He indicated that this program allows well-vetted Afghans to integrate into American communities, potentially becoming business owners and job creators during a time of labor shortages.

Furthermore, VanDiver highlighted shortcomings in the Biden administration’s operation, suggesting it has been insufficiently swift. He pointed out that individuals remain stranded in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and around the globe due to delays. Specifically, he noted that promises made to the Pakistani government about expediting processing have gone unfulfilled, leaving 10,000 individuals trapped.

VanDiver stressed that President Trump holds a decisive opportunity to lead on this issue, urging him to fulfill the promises made by the U.S. to its wartime allies. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining these commitments to honor the sacrifices made by those who aided American efforts over the last two decades.

Continued Advocacy for Afghan Relocation Efforts

The plight of Afghan allies has been highlighted in an open letter dated April 23, directed to key administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The letter, authored by the #AfghanEvac coalition, underscores that over 250,000 Afghans remain in relocation pipelines, awaiting assistance for their safe passage.

Andrew Sullivan, executive director of No One Left Behind, affirmed his organization’s backing for congressional action enabling a three-year Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts appointment. He relayed that this initiative has garnered significant bipartisan support and that it’s critical for the continuation of facilitative efforts for U.S. allies.

Sullivan articulated a strong sentiment among veterans regarding the moral obligation to support Afghan allies. He described any halting of Operation Enduring Welcome or CARE as a slap in the face to those who fought alongside U.S. service members. Sullivan, who has personally worked on the ground in Albania and Qatar, noted the severe challenges faced by Afghans still at risk from the Taliban.

Documented Cases of Brutality and Urgent Threats

Sullivan shared harrowing accounts of Afghans who have suffered under the Taliban. He recounted meeting individuals who were paralyzed after being shot and those who endured severe torture. These testimonies illustrate the critical dangers that persist for those who remain in Afghanistan.

Concerns extend beyond individual stories. The State Department estimates that about 10,000 Special Immigrant Visa applicants and their families are still in the pipeline for relocation. With the specter of Taliban retribution looming, many Afghans are increasingly anxious about their safety. Instances of U.S. individuals losing their protected status amplify this fear.

The Consequences of Inaction

Bill Roggio, editor of the Long War Journal, articulated the grave outcomes for Afghan allies remaining in their homeland. He reiterated the danger posed by the Taliban, who have a documented history of hunting down Afghans who collaborated with U.S. forces, resulting in numerous deaths and tortures. Roggio’s insights underscore the urgent need for the U.S. to uphold its promises, or risk catastrophic consequences for many.

As the situation develops, advocates and veterans continue to call for proactive measures. They stress the necessity of keeping the Afghan ally support program active to ensure those who fought alongside Americans can escape persecution and start anew. The upcoming decisions by the Trump administration will significantly impact not only the safety of these individuals but also the integrity of the United States’ commitments to its allies.

Time for Action: Upholding Promises to Afghan Allies

The future of the Afghan relocation efforts hangs in the balance as veterans and advocates urge the Trump administration to prioritize support for those who risked their lives for America. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the U.S. can guarantee safety for its Afghan partners and re-establish trust with those who once relied on American protection.