RASC News Agency: Hundreds of retired U.S. service members have formally appealed to Donald Trump, the president-elect, urging him to continue the resettlement and relocation process for at-risk Afghanistani citizens who supported U.S. forces during the past two decades. According to a report by Reuters, these Afghanistani allies face a severe threat of “retaliation by the Taliban.” The letter, signed by hundreds of veterans, former officials, and other concerned individuals, is set to be sent to Trump and leaders in Congress. This effort is spearheaded by the “Evacuate Our Allies Coalition,” a collective of organizations collaborating with the U.S. government to assist Afghanistani citizens in beginning new lives in America.
The draft letter reads: “Many of us worked closely with Afghanistani interpreters, soldiers, and their families who risked everything to protect and guide us. Abandoning them now would constitute a betrayal of the values we fought to defend and the trust forged through years of shared sacrifice.” As Trump’s return to the White House approaches, concerns are intensifying over a potential halt to the resettlement program for Afghanistani allies. Numerous applicants for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), as well as those seeking asylum under the P-1 and P-2 refugee programs, have reported that their cases remain unresolved, even three years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
These applicants have criticized the sluggish pace of the process, describing it as a “deeply concerning” issue. Many blame the responsible agencies and the U.S. State Department for delays that exacerbate their anxiety and uncertainty. The resettlement initiative remains a critical issue for Afghanistani allies who have risked their lives in service of U.S. interests. Abandoning these individuals would not only undermine America’s commitment but also jeopardize the trust built through years of shared struggle. Maintaining and accelerating this program is vital to honoring these bonds and ensuring the safety of those who stood by the United States in times of war.
