Veterans Groups Urge Trump to Reconsider Immigration Executive Order Amid Concerns for Afghan Partners

Multiple veterans groups have sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider a recent executive order that would suspend certain immigration and refugee programs, specifically the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). These groups are concerned about the safety of Afghan interpreters and their families, who helped the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan.

Trump’s executive order, titled Realigning the United States Refugee Program, is set to go into effect on Monday. It will pause the processing and movement of refugees under USRAP, a program that allows individuals who face threats due to their association with the U.S., such as Afghan partners and their families, to seek refuge in the U.S.

Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) Exempted, but Concerns Remain

While the order does not directly affect Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) – which are granted to individuals who directly worked with or supported the U.S. government, such as interpreters and contractors – veterans groups worry that implementation decisions or future orders could indirectly impact these individuals.

#AfghanEvac, a nonprofit organization that helps Afghan U.S. allies with relocation and resettlement, voiced concerns that the suspension could have unintended consequences for Afghan allies who do not yet hold SIVs but are still eligible.

Letter Highlights Risks to Veterans and Afghan Partners

The veterans groups emphasized the emotional toll the executive order could have on U.S. service members, many of whom formed strong bonds with Afghan partners during the global war on terror. The letter, obtained by Fox News, argued that the suspension of certain refugee pathways could unfairly penalize Afghan allies who might be eligible for SIVs but did not obtain them due to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan under the previous administration.

“The current suspension may unintentionally penalize individuals who could be eligible for SIVs but do not currently hold them,” the letter stated, noting that this is not due to a lack of qualification, but the disorder surrounding the U.S. military’s departure from Afghanistan.

Calls for Exceptions and Continued Protection

The groups made it clear that they support Trump’s goal of prioritizing U.S. security but urged the administration to find a way to address these issues without harming Afghan partners who risked their lives in service to the U.S. military.

The executive order argues that increasing the number of refugees admitted could be “detrimental to the interests of the United States.” However, it also notes that the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security can make exceptions for refugees on a case-by-case basis, provided their entry does not threaten national security.

Veterans groups are particularly concerned about Afghan partners’ immediate family members, who may face threats from the Taliban. They fear these families will lose their opportunity for safe passage due to the suspension.

Request for Protection for Afghan Allies and Families

The veterans groups urged the president to reconsider the suspension for Afghan allies and their families. They warned that those who had been promised safety could be “inadvertently cast aside” due to the fallout from the chaotic U.S. withdrawal.

“This approach would protect those who have risked their lives for our country while reinforcing your administration’s clear commitment to national security,” the letter said.

#AfghanEvac Emphasizes Vetting Process

#AfghanEvac clarified that USRAP does not impact illegal immigration, as refugees are thoroughly vetted before entering the U.S. and crossing the border without authorization voids eligibility for the program.

Chad Robichaux, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Department of Defense contractor, also spoke out about the issue. Robichaux, who personally worked to rescue his Afghan interpreter, Aziz, from the Taliban, stressed that Afghan interpreters displayed extraordinary courage alongside U.S. service members.

“Afghan interpreters risked their lives for two decades to defeat the evils of the Taliban,” Robichaux said. “These Afghan Allies have demonstrated more patriotic courage than some of our own citizens, and I am asking for their due protection.”

Thousands of Afghan Allies Left in Limbo

The suspension of USRAP has left thousands of Afghan allies stranded in limbo, according to #AfghanEvac. The organization estimates that 10,000 to 15,000 individuals, including those fully vetted, are still awaiting flights from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other countries. These individuals, many of whom risked their lives to help the U.S. military, are now uncertain about their future.