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AFGHANISTAN, ANDREW SULLIVAN, ASIA, CONGRESS, CURRENT_AFFAIRS, DONALD TRUMP, HOUSE, NATIONAL SECURITY, NEWSNATION, NO ONE LEFT BEHIND, NORTH AMERICA, ONE LEFT BEHIND, POLITICS, REFUGEE CRISIS, STATE DEPARTMENT, SULLIVAN, TALIBAN, TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, U. S, UNITED STATES, US, WASHINGTON, WORLD
Nia Simpson
No One Left Behind: Resettling Afghan Allies After Funding Cuts
No One Left Behind is actively supporting Afghan refugees who once aided U.S. forces after funding to assist them was halted by the Trump administration. The organization focuses on resettling those in danger, providing flights and support. With heightened fears regarding deportations and potential travel bans, the group’s initiatives reflect a strong humanitarian commitment to these individuals’ safety and future in America.
Following the cessation of funding for Afghans who assisted the United States during its military efforts, the organization No One Left Behind has taken significant action to resettle these individuals in America. The story of an Afghan man, shot by the Taliban for working with U.S. forces, highlights the urgency of their mission. Andrew Sullivan, the organization’s executive director, reflects on the moral imperative to prevent such individuals from returning to danger in Afghanistan.
No One Left Behind, comprising U.S. military veterans and former Afghan refugees, assists those eligible for special immigrant visas, established by Congress in 2009 for individuals in peril due to their support of U.S. operations. In January, former President Trump suspended programs that facilitated flights for these refugees and the associated resettlement assistance, leaving many approved travelers in limbo.
The situation for Afghans displaced to neighboring countries has become precarious, with Pakistan intensifying deportations and an agreement for Albania’s hosting of Afghans nearing expiration. The fear of a potential travel ban by the Trump administration further complicates matters, prompting concerns among advocacy groups for Afghan refugees.
In response to the funding suspension, No One Left Behind mobilized to ensure Afghans with visas do not remain stranded. The organization is actively raising funds for flights and providing support upon arrival in the U.S. Their website enables visa holders to share their locations, helping to facilitate assistance and aid.
Ambassadors like Aqila, who has successfully relocated to America, have traveled to countries such as Albania and Qatar to assist those in precarious conditions. Many refugees express anxiety about their uncertain futures in the U.S., with some fearing abandonment upon arrival.
Mohammad Saboor, an electrician with 17 years of service to U.S. and international forces, recently relocated with his family from Albania to California, seeking safety from the Taliban. He shared his aspirations for a better future for his children in a supportive community of Afghan expatriates.
Andrew Sullivan advocates for the exemption of these vetted individuals from any travel restrictions, emphasizing their contributions and sacrifices alongside American troops. The transformation of refugee lives, as evidenced by the hope visible in their states upon arrival, underscores the humanitarian imperative of this initiative.
The efforts of No One Left Behind illustrate the urgent need to support Afghan refugees who risked their lives aiding U.S. operations. Amidst funding cuts and increasing fears of deportation, the organization actively facilitates resettlement to ensure their safety and secure brighter futures. Advocates like Sullivan highlight the vital contributions of these individuals while seeking protection measures against potential travel bans. Ultimately, unprecedented humanitarian efforts underscore the significance of compassion in times of crisis.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
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