Veterans groups plead with Trump to reconsider barring Afghan allies amid immigration crackdown

Multiple veterans groups have sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider a recent executive order regarding immigration and refugee programs. The letter highlights concerns about the safety of Afghan interpreters and their families who assisted the U.S. military.

The executive order, titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Program,” is set to go into effect on Monday and will suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). This order immediately halts all processing and movements for USRAP refugees who are referred due to threats stemming from their association with the U.S., such as family members of service members and Afghan partner forces.

While Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) – individuals who directly worked for or supported the U.S. government, including interpreters and contractors – do not appear to be directly impacted, there are concerns that they could be indirectly affected by implementation decisions or additional orders.

The veterans groups express their worries about the potential negative impact of the executive order on the mental health of countless veterans who formed bonds with Afghan partners during the global war on terror. These Afghan allies often put themselves and their families at great personal risk to support U.S. efforts.

The letter obtained by Fox News stresses that the suspension of certain pathways for these allies may unintentionally penalize individuals who could be eligible for SIVs but do not currently hold them due to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan under the previous administration.

The groups fully support Trump’s goal of prioritizing American security but believe there is an opportunity to address the issue without harming Afghan partners. They urge the president to consider SIV-eligible allies and their families to prevent them from being overlooked due to lapses that occurred during the withdrawal.

While the executive order argues that the entry of additional refugees could be detrimental to U.S. interests, it allows for exceptions to be made on a case-by-case basis when in the national interest and when there is no threat to America’s security or welfare.

The veterans groups emphasize the importance of protecting Afghan partners and their families who face serious threats from the Taliban and urge the president to ensure their safety.

The organizations that signed the letter include Save Our Allies, Sheepdog Response, The Verardo Group, The Independence Fund, Diesel Jack Media, Special Operations Association of America, and Mighty Oaks Foundation.

Tim Kennedy, a Green Beret, former UFC fighter, founder of Sheepdog Response, and president of Save Our Allies, stresses that it is the nation’s duty to protect its allies. He points out that many Afghan allies risked their lives to defend American ideals and freedom.

Since the end of the war in 2021, approximately 180,000 Afghans have resettled in the U.S. However, there are still thousands of Afghan allies waiting for refugee approval, with many hiding out in Pakistan out of fear of deportation back to Afghanistan.

It is essential to recognize the sacrifices made by Afghan allies and ensure their safety and protection. The veterans groups are calling on President Trump to consider the well-being of these individuals who risked their lives to support U.S. efforts in Afghanistan. The White House has yet to respond to the letter from the veterans groups.