On August 15, 2021, the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, igniting a desperate evacuation effort that brought more than 76,000 Afghan allies to safety in the United States. Four years later, these individuals, often referred to as our Afghan allies, find themselves once again in peril.
Throughout the two-decade military and diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, numerous Afghan nationals served courageously alongside U.S. troops in various roles, including interpreters, drivers, and cultural advisors. Their contributions have earned them the enduring respect and friendship of many U.S. military members and veterans, forming deep, personal bonds.
A telling example is Nassir, a former combat interpreter who endured multiple assassination attempts while assisting U.S. forces. Today, he works at Global Refuge and continues to advocate for the safety and rights of his compatriots.
Beyond interpreters, countless Afghans in the United States have made significant contributions as professionals in law, education, arts, and journalism. They have valiantly fought against the Taliban’s oppressive actions, particularly those threatening women and human rights. Others left Afghanistan in pursuit of a better future for their children, motivated especially by the desire for safety and opportunity for their daughters.
The evacuation of Afghans to the United States was primarily facilitated through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, designed to assist those who had supported U.S. military efforts. Following President Biden’s announcement to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in 2021, additional pathways to safety were established. However, these measures proved inadequate when the Taliban regained power, leaving tens of thousands of at-risk individuals in dire need of immediate evacuation.
Operation Allies Welcome emerged as a crucial effort, which allowed Afghans to enter the U.S. through the Afghan humanitarian parole program. Tragically, many families and vulnerable individuals were left behind as the evacuation efforts concluded.
Currently, the options for Afghans seeking refuge in the United States have become alarmingly limited. Although the SIV program remains operational, its processes can be burdensome, and many applications must now be self-funded, an insurmountable hurdle for numerous potential applicants. A pervasive suspension of the U.S. refugee program complicates matters further, exacerbated by a recent travel ban that effectively blocks nearly all Afghan nationals from entering the U.S., including family members of those already resettled.
In the wake of these challenges, Global Refuge has continued its mission of assisting Afghan refugees and evacuees. Before the 2021 evacuation, the organization had been resettling Afghans through established programs. In response to the urgent need for support following the Taliban’s takeover, Global Refuge quickly initiated the Neighbors in Need: Afghan Allies emergency fund, mobilizing resources to assist nearly 11,000 Afghans across 27 states.
Over the past four years, Global Refuge has expanded its efforts to help Afghan refugees, SIV holders, humanitarian parolees, and those with Temporary Protected Status. Services provided include helping families enroll children in schools, find sustainable employment, and access essential healthcare services, including mental health support.
At the same time, Global Refuge has been a prominent advocate for protecting Afghans in the U.S., collaborating with initiatives such as the Evacuate Our Allies coalition. The organization has actively worked on various iterations of the Afghan Adjustment Act, aimed at securing lawful permanent residency for thousands of Afghans who aided U.S. operations. Despite these efforts, success has been elusive as of August 2025, leaving many Afghans in a precarious situation.
Without the Afghan Adjustment Act, many individuals have turned to alternative pathways, such as the SIV program and asylum claims. However, these processes can be long, costly, and often laden with complications that deter many from pursuing their right to stay in the U.S.
As time goes on, Afghans awaiting a permanent status face mounting uncertainty, particularly as their humanitarian parole periods come to an end, threatening their legal work status, drivers’ licenses, and crucial immigration protections. The administration’s recent termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans further compounds their vulnerability. This decision not only strips them of protections from deportation but also eliminates their eligibility for work permits, plunging many into an abyss of uncertainty regarding their livelihoods.
The stakes are dire; those who loyally served alongside U.S. troops, supported human rights, and contributed to their communities are at risk of losing their homes and stability. This ongoing crisis represents a profound moral failure and a bitter betrayal of our commitments to those who stood with us in their time of need.
To combat this situation effectively, intervention and advocacy are critical. Several potential policy changes could significantly enhance protections for Afghans currently residing in the U.S. Citizens are encouraged to reach out to their representatives in Congress to advocate for more SIV approvals, extensions of humanitarian parole, work permit renewals, and meaningful legislation that establishes a pathway to citizenship for Afghans.
Public awareness is also vital. Sharing information about this crisis can help raise consciousness and mobilize community support. Engaging in discussions, utilizing social media, or writing to local newspapers can amplify the call for action.
Moreover, donations to organizations like Global Refuge are essential for sustaining their work to fill the void left by inadequate government support and for continuing their advocacy efforts on behalf of Afghans facing these dire challenges.
For those who are supporting Afghan individuals lacking permanent residency, it is crucial to advise them to carry their documentation at all times and seek assistance from qualified immigration legal service providers promptly. Organizations like Global Refuge’s Immigration Legal Services team stand ready to assist those in need.
As the situation evolves, the urgency of support and advocacy for Afghan allies remains paramount. Their resilience and determination to build a better future deserve our unwavering commitment and attention.
image source from：globalrefuge
