Statement by Displaced International on the Urgent Need to Resume Resettlement of Afghan Refugees
Displaced International (DI) calls on the Trump Administration to exempt Afghan refugees, including those under Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), P1, P2, P3, and P4 categories, from the recent USRAP Executive Order. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Afghanistan has been engulfed in a devastating humanitarian crisis. The regime’s oppressive rule, rampant violence, and widespread human rights violations have forced nearly 8 million Afghans to flee their homes, leaving countless families in desperate need of safety and protection.
“At Displaced International, many of us are current or former immigrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons. For those of us who have been fortunate enough to resettle in the United States, the process was thorough, rigorous, and often grueling. We know firsthand how months of interagency security screenings and medical checks ensured we posed no threat to this country. Afghan refugees whose applications have been vetted and finalized should not face further delays—they deserve the opportunity to begin their journey toward safety and rebuilding their lives,” said Ambassador M. Ashraf Haidari, DI Founder & President.
The Taliban’s deep ties to terrorist networks, including al-Qaeda and ISKP, continue to pose a significant threat to global security. In Afghanistan, these groups have created a climate of fear, particularly for women, children, ethnic minorities, and those who supported U.S. missions. Vulnerable Afghans face daily persecution, torture, and extrajudicial killings, while neighboring countries, already overwhelmed by regional instability, struggle to provide adequate protection and support for refugees.
The United States has both a moral and strategic responsibility to honor its commitments to Afghan allies. Over two decades, tens of thousands of Afghans risked their lives to assist U.S. military and civilian operations. Despite these sacrifices, of the nearly 134,000 SIV applications submitted since August 2021, only a small percentage have been approved. Thousands more languish in dangerous limbo, and those who have already reached the United States on humanitarian parole are at risk of losing their legal status, healthcare, and access to employment.
Failure to protect Afghan refugees has far-reaching consequences. Host countries in the region, already burdened by large refugee populations, are strained to their limits. Many Afghan refugees face insurmountable barriers to integration, insufficient protection under international conventions, and a lack of basic social services, further compounding their suffering.
The United States has long been a global symbol of hope and refuge. Passing the Afghan Adjustment Act would provide a vital pathway to permanent residency for paroled Afghan allies who have already demonstrated their loyalty, courage, and commitment to U.S. values. This act would also honor the sacrifices of the 2,448 American service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
As global instability grows, the United States must lead by example. Resuming Afghan refugee resettlement would reaffirm America’s commitment to human rights, strengthen alliances, and fulfill our promise to those who stood beside us during critical moments in history.
Displaced International remains steadfast in its support of Afghan refugees and urges the Trump Administration to act swiftly and decisively. Together, we must restore hope, extend compassion, and demonstrate the leadership the world needs now more than ever.
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