Advocacy Group Calls for Resumption of US Afghan Refugee Acceptance

The Afghan Evac organization has sent official letters to senior US officials, including the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, urging the resumption and review of the process for accepting Afghan refugees.

In a letter released on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Afghan Evac stated that despite major changes in US policies related to Afghanistan since January 2025, the US government has not reviewed its commitments to evacuating Afghans. The group warned that delays or restrictions on legal migration pathways raise serious concerns about transparency, coordination, and compliance with congressional intent.

Afghan Evac highlighted that the suspension of the "Welcome to America" program has left Afghan partners facing problems, confusion, and uncertain conditions. The letter pointed to multiple issues, including delays in visa issuance, halted transfer pathways, prolonged processing times at US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the expiration of Temporary Protected Status for many Afghans, stalled family reunification processes, and detention or heightened surveillance of some individuals with legal documents.

The organization said this situation has caused confusion and instability in Afghans' lives, making future planning difficult. It also warned that reduced coordination among US government agencies has led to misinformation and increased rumors.

Shawn Vandiver, president of Afghan Evac, emphasized that immigration cases for Afghans who collaborated with the US are not partisan or political but relate to US credibility, national security, and long-term commitments.

The letter aims for constructive engagement to address realities and challenges facing at-risk Afghans in final US policy decisions.

This follows a shooting by former Afghan soldier Rahmanullah Laknwal at US National Guard forces in Washington, D.C., after which the Trump administration increased scrutiny on Afghan refugees, labeling them as security threats. Afghan refugees are currently barred from permanent residency and citizenship indefinitely. Previously, Trump had banned entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan.

Reports indicate tens of thousands of eligible Afghans are awaiting resettlement as refugees or via special immigrant visas.