Michael McCaul, a U.S. congressman, has voiced concern over the potential shutdown of the Afghan refugee resettlement programme, urging the U.S. Secretary of State to uphold promises made to Afghans who worked alongside the U.S. government.
On Tuesday, Reuters, citing informed sources, reported that officials in the office responsible for coordinating Afghan resettlement efforts had been instructed to prepare for its closure by April. If implemented, the directive would prevent approximately 200,000 eligible Afghan refugees from entering the United States.
McCaul, a Republican member of the House of Representatives and a supporter of former President Donald Trump, posted on X on Thursday that while he backs efforts to reduce federal government spending, the Afghan refugee resettlement office should not be included in these budget cuts.
“During its chaotic and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Biden administration abandoned tens of thousands of our Afghan allies who fought and bled alongside our military,” McCaul stated.
He urged the U.S. Secretary of State to prioritise honouring commitments made to Afghan allies who had risked their lives supporting U.S. operations in Afghanistan.
