Dozens of US lawmakers have called on the Trump administration to abandon any proposals to relocate Afghan nationals who worked with American forces during the war to unsafe third countries. In a letter sent on Thursday and seen by Reuters, more than 80 members of the House of Representatives, including three Republicans and numerous Democrats, appealed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reconsider plans for 1,100 Afghans currently stranded in Qatar.
Moral and Security Concerns
Democratic Congressman Jason Crow of Colorado, a former Army Ranger who spearheaded the letter, stated: "It is both a moral and a national security imperative that our country live up to its promise and protect those who risked their lives to help keep us safe." The Afghans have been in limbo for over four years since the US withdrawal from Kabul in 2021.
Proposed Relocation to DRC
Earlier this year, the Trump administration entered talks to send these individuals to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The situation for Afghans has become more precarious since late 2025, following an attack in Washington DC by an Afghan immigrant that killed a National Guard soldier and wounded another. After the incident, the Trump administration criticized the vetting process under former President Joe Biden, although the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had been granted asylum during Trump's first term.
Executive Order and Bipartisan Support Erosion
President Trump signed an executive order barring Afghan refugees, including those who worked with the US military, from entering the country. Many Republicans in Congress have distanced themselves from previous bipartisan support for programs like the Special Immigrant Visa, which facilitated the relocation of Afghan allies.
Congressional Hearings and Response
During recent congressional hearings, Secretary Rubio was questioned about the administration's plans to send the Afghans to the DRC despite an Ebola outbreak there. Rubio responded that the US was in discussions with "multiple countries" about accepting them. In their letter, lawmakers emphasized the crucial role these Afghans played alongside US forces, stating: "In our nearly 20-year mission in Afghanistan across four administrations, Afghan allies served in essential roles, fighting alongside our service members as interpreters, contractors, and security personnel." The letter also suggested that some of the Afghans should be considered for entry into the United States.
