U.S. Renews Agreement to Relocate Afghan Allies
By: فیصل کریمیThe U.S. government has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Afghan Evac, an organization assisting in the relocation and resettlement of Afghan nationals who worked alongside American forces. The extension underscores Washington’s continued commitment to supporting Afghan allies at risk following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the renewal on Wednesday, January 8, calling it a vital step in honoring the U.S. pledge to those who supported its mission for two decades.
On Wednesday, January 8, Blinken wrote on his social media account on Platform X:
esettle Afghan allies who stood beside the United States for over 20 years. The U.S. remains committed to our pledge to always stand with our partners.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 7, 2025
Ongoing Relocation and Policy Challenges
Afghan Evac, a coalition of nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups, plays a key role in facilitating the relocation process. In recent weeks, the organization has urged former President Donald Trump to preserve special immigration and resettlement programs for Afghan nationals facing retaliation due to their cooperation with U.S. forces during the war.
Despite the renewed commitment from the Biden administration, Afghan refugees eligible for resettlement in the U.S. continue to face challenges in transit countries, particularly Pakistan, where many have been detained or deported in recent days.
The State Department maintains that relocation efforts will continue, even as humanitarian concerns grow over the treatment of Afghan refugees abroad.
Congress Backs Afghan Resettlement Efforts
Support for Afghan resettlement has also gained traction in Congress. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill aimed at expediting relocation efforts, calling for the appointment of a State Department coordinator to oversee and accelerate the process.
The proposed “Establishing Afghan Relocation Efforts Act of 2024”, published on the Congressional website, outlines key responsibilities for the coordinator, including:
- Overseeing the relocation of eligible Afghan allies
- Facilitating the evacuation of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents from Afghanistan
- Supporting the broader U.S. government strategy for Afghan resettlement
183,000 Afghans Resettled Since 2021
The U.S. has relocated more than 183,000 Afghan nationals since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, according to the State Department’s latest figures. This includes former interpreters, government employees, aid workers, and others who assisted American forces during the war.
The Biden administration has framed the initiative as a moral and strategic obligation, emphasizing that the U.S. must uphold its promises to those who risked their lives in support of American efforts in Afghanistan.
With the renewal of the Afghan Evac agreement and increasing legislative backing, the U.S. appears set to continue resettlement efforts, though challenges remain for those still awaiting transfer to safety.
