RASC News Agency: Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, has called for robust and sustained support for Afghanistani refugees and allies who served alongside American forces during the two-decade military engagement in Afghanistan. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Gingrich emphasized that these individuals “courageously stood by Americans, saved lives, and warrant exceptional treatment and care.” He stated, “Afghanistani refugees who actively fought alongside American troops, saved American lives, and endeavored to achieve victory against the Taliban are deserving of an extraordinary level of support. Anything less would be a disservice to their sacrifices.”
This statement coincides with a Reuters report revealing that hundreds of retired U.S. military personnel have urged President-elect Donald Trump, through a collective letter, to sustain and expedite the resettlement process for at-risk Afghanistani citizens who collaborated with U.S. forces over the past 20 years. The letter highlights the immediate dangers these Afghanistani allies face, describing them as “targets for Taliban retaliation.” Signed by numerous retired soldiers, officials, and other advocates, the letter is expected to reach Trump and congressional leaders, though the timing remains uncertain.
A draft of the letter reads, “Many of us witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by Afghanistani interpreters, soldiers, and their families, who risked everything to safeguard and guide us. Abandoning them now would betray the values we fought to defend and shatter the trust built through years of shared sacrifice and hardship.” Despite these appeals, the Trump administration, set to return to the White House on January 20, has not yet announced a clear strategy to address the issue. Concerns are mounting that the resettlement program for Afghanistani allies might face significant delays or cessation under the incoming administration.
Applicants for the U.S. Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, as well as those seeking asylum under the P-1 and P-2 refugee categories, have expressed growing frustration with the slow pace of case processing. Even three years after the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, thousands of applications remain unresolved. Critics, including affected individuals, have condemned the inefficiency of the responsible organizations and the U.S. State Department, describing the process as “agonizingly slow.” Many fear this protracted delay could jeopardize their safety and future prospects, leaving them vulnerable to persecution and retribution.
