The US State Department office overseeing the resettlement of Afghans in the United States is being told to develop plans to close by April, according to a senior official and advocacy groups. The move could deny up to 200,000 people new lives in America.
The Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) was set up last year to relocate Afghans at risk of Taliban retaliation due to their work with the US government during the war. Despite its efforts, CARE faces significant challenges, including a Trump-ordered foreign aid freeze that has ended programs for mental health and children.
If closed, CARE would impact tens of thousands of Afghans who have been vetted and cleared for resettlement, including family members of US military personnel, children, and relatives of those already admitted to the US. The office’s permanent shutdown could also leave around 50,000 Afghans stranded in nearly 90 countries, with about half living in Pakistan.
Critics warn that a closure would be a national disgrace, betraying Afghan allies, veterans who fought for them, and America’s word. Advocates are urging the Biden administration to reconsider the decision and find alternative solutions to address concerns about immigration security.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/office-overseeing-afghan-resettlement-us-told-start-planning-closure-sources-say-2025-02-18