The article discusses No One Left Behind’s efforts to evacuate Afghan allies threatened by a potential travel ban from President Trump. It details the panic among veterans and organizations trying to ensure safe passage for those with Special Immigrant Visas. The Taliban’s retaliation against these allies heightens the urgency, with advocacy groups working to fill gaps left by halting refugee resettlement and providing necessary support.
The nonprofit organization No One Left Behind is working urgently to evacuate Afghan allies before the potential introduction of a travel ban by President Trump. The rumors surrounding a travel restriction create a precarious situation for thousands of Afghans who served alongside U.S. troops, leaving their fate uncertain. Following an executive order from Trump, there are concerns that Afghanistan may be on the list of countries facing travel restrictions due to inadequate vetting processes.
The executive order issued by Trump requested cabinet officials to compile a list of nations from which the admission of nationals may be partially or fully suspended. This order has raised alarms among supporters who are swiftly mobilizing to ensure Afghan allies can enter the U.S. before the deadline.
No One Left Behind, led by veteran Andrew Sullivan, has raised substantial funds for transportation, emphasizing their commitment to helping those who aided U.S. military efforts. This includes seeking financial assistance to cover flight costs for Afghan families currently stuck in countries like Pakistan, Albania, and Qatar, waiting for visa processing.
Recently, the Biden administration faced criticism for the previous executive orders signed by Trump that effectively halted refugee resettlement, complicating the situation for U.S.-affiliated Afghans. Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas could still be barred from entering the U.S. if a new travel ban is enacted, as it replaces funding and logistical support previously provided to facilitate their relocation.
The Taliban has targeted these wartime allies, branding them as traitors. Many have faced retaliation, making it vital for toppled U.S. allies to escape the country. Prior to the travel ban speculation, around 1,000 Afghans and their families already had visas awaiting relocation to the U.S., with some experts warning that their return to Afghanistan under the current regime could be fatal.
Veteran groups have expressed growing concerns about the potential abandonment of Afghan allies. In response, multiple Republican lawmakers have alerted President Trump to the immediate adverse effects of his orders on Afghan relocation initiatives, emphasizing the dire situation these individuals face in their home country.
Amidst these developments, families like that of Aman Jafari, who served as an interpreter for U.S. Navy SEALs, have benefited from the support of advocacy organizations like No One Left Behind, ensuring they can make it to the U.S. As efforts continue, Sullivan and volunteers across the country are fostering support networks for these families to help with their integration into American society.
The urgent efforts of advocacy groups like No One Left Behind underscore the precarious situation of Afghan allies in the wake of potential travel bans from the Trump administration. It is critical to support these individuals, many facing dire consequences for their contributions to U.S. military operations. With the backing of concerned veterans and citizens, there remains hope for a smoother transition and integration into the United States for these wartime allies.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
