No One Left Behind: Supporting Afghan Refugees Amidst Funding Cuts
No One Left Behind, a charitable organization, is aiding Afghan refugees after the Trump administration halted funding and support systems. Executive director Andrew Sullivan emphasizes the emotional and practical need for immediate action to help resettle Afghans who served the U.S. military, ensuring their safety and integration into American society. Recent efforts have successfully arranged flights for many Afghans, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by these individuals during this transitional phase.
In light of the suspension of funding for Afghans who assisted U.S. operations, Andrew Sullivan, executive director of the organization No One Left Behind, recalls a poignant instance involving an Afghan man in a wheelchair, severely injured by the Taliban for his support of American forces. Sullivan emphasizes the calling to resettle such vulnerable individuals, now safely in Virginia, who reflect the profound risks faced by countless others.
No One Left Behind is a charitable organization comprised of U.S. military veterans, former Afghan émigrés, and volunteers dedicated to aiding Afghans and Iraqis eligible for special immigrant visas. This program, created by Congress in 2009, was aimed at protecting those who risked their safety by supporting U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In January, the Trump administration suspended essential programs, including those providing flights for refugees and financial aid to resettlement organizations, directly impacting hundreds with approved visas. This left many Afghans uncertain about their ability to travel to the U.S. and find necessary assistance upon arrival.
The ongoing situation for Afghan refugees remains precarious, especially as Pakistan increases deportations and an agreement for Albanian refuge expires. The looming possibility of a travel ban by the Trump administration has heightened concerns, prompting organizations like No One Left Behind to act quickly to support Afghan evacuees.
The organization ensures that Afghans possessing State Department visas are not left stranded abroad. They conduct immediate outreach efforts and raise funds for flight bookings. Notably, between early February and mid-March, No One Left Behind successfully arranged flights for 659 Afghans.
To facilitate resettlement, they launched a website aiding visa holders in sharing their experiences and connecting with fellow Afghans. Ambassadors like Aqila, who recently emigrated to the U.S., offer firsthand support to recently arrived families facing new challenges.
Aqila provides reassurance to families unfamiliar with their new environment, distributing crucial information regarding legal rights and support networks available in English and Afghan languages. Mohammad Saboor, one of those resettled, expressed relief and hope upon arriving in California, longing for a safe future for his children after enduring the Taliban’s regime.
Sullivan stresses the importance of making exceptions for Afghans in the special immigrant visa program if a travel ban is implemented, highlighting their contributions alongside U.S. forces over the last two decades. “These are folks that actually served shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops and diplomats for 20 years,” he affirmed.
Aqila encapsulates the emotional impact of their work, noting the visible joy and hope in the faces of those she has helped transition to the U.S., reinforcing the value of compassion in this humanitarian crisis.
The article highlights the critical role of No One Left Behind in supporting Afghan refugees following funding cuts during the Trump administration. By facilitating travel and resettlement for those who aided U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, the organization exemplifies compassion amid humanitarian challenges. Their efforts serve to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not left without assistance, reinforcing the need for continued support and understanding of their situation.
Original Source: www.wral.com
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