New York City–– Voice For Refuge calls on the Biden administration to swiftly and urgently evacuate all vulnerable Afghans, such as women’s rights activists, human rights defenders, religious minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, as well as Afghans who assisted the U.S. mission, their loved ones, and displaced Afghans fleeing violence and persecution. Since the beginning of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, we promised safety and protection to those Afghans who served alongside us. Now as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates, the United States must keep its promise to protect Afghans in danger by bringing them to safety.
With the Biden administration confirming that it will not extend its August 31st deadline for withdrawal, urgent evacuations of at-risk Afghans to U.S. territory, such as Guam, must be the top priority. It is critical that the United States create safe pathways outside of Afghanistan and continue evacuations for as long as it takes to get people to safety. The United States had the time and resources to evacuate our allies and other at-risk groups long before withdrawing U.S. forces. At many points in the past several months, the Biden administration had the opportunity to hear from representatives of refugee groups about the urgency and concern of creating an evacuation plan and robust humanitarian response. Now that the urgency and concern has escalated, so must the administration’s response despite previous delays and obfuscation.
Voice for Refuge is the first 501(c)4 organization created to advance pro-refugee policies at the national, state, and local level and to hold elected leaders accountable to upholding America’s legacy of welcome. Voice for Refuge is educating the public about the benefits of refugee resettlement, advocating for pro-refugee policies in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures, and increasing civic engagement among refugees through non-partisan voter education. Voice for Refuge will also promote the representation of refugees in government by supporting former refugees and pro-refugee candidates running for office at the national, state, and local level. For more information or to get involved visit voiceforrefuge.org or contact info@voiceforrefuge.org.
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