WASHINGTON — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take immediate action to support Afghan allies left stranded by President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending resettlement efforts.
In a letter released by the Foreign Relations Committee, Shaheen expressed “deep concern” over the fate of thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. during its 20-year war in Afghanistan and are now left in limbo due to the halted Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program.
“I write with deep concern regarding the Afghanistan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and the fate of the allies who stood shoulder to shoulder with U.S. service members and diplomats throughout two decades of war,” Shaheen wrote. “President Trump’s recent executive order has effectively suspended resettlement efforts for these individuals and their families. As a result, many Afghan allies who were scheduled to travel to the U.S. have had their flights canceled and are now stranded with no clear path forward.”
Shaheen warned that Trump’s resettlement freeze has left thousands of Afghans—including SIV applicants and visa holders—stuck in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, and Albania.
“This order has halted the resettlement of thousands of Afghans who supported the U.S. mission, leaving them at risk,” she wrote. “At least 5,752 individuals awaiting SIV processing or holding visas remain stranded in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, including the families of U.S. military personnel. They are now living without access to basic necessities such as medical care, women’s and children’s services, mental health counseling, and infant care.”
Shaheen urged Rubio to push for an immediate exemption for Afghan allies and ensure their safe passage to the U.S.
“I respectfully request that you continue longstanding U.S. support for these individuals and take all necessary steps to remove barriers preventing Afghan SIV holders and applicants from traveling to the United States,” she wrote. “Their admission is not only a moral obligation but also a national security priority, reaffirming America’s commitment to its allies in times of crisis.”
Shaheen underscored the urgent need for action, warning that these Afghan allies face grave dangers if forced to return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
“Since the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, Afghan allies have been at extreme risk of Taliban reprisals due to their service alongside American forces,” she wrote. “Many have already been killed since August 2021, demonstrating the very real threat they face.”
Shaheen emphasized that the U.S. made a promise to protect these individuals and their families, many of whom risked their lives for American troops.
“These Afghan allies put their lives on the line for the United States,” she said. “In return, we pledged to protect them and their families. America must stand by that promise.”
Trump’s January executive order instructed the State Department to suspend refugee admissions, transfers, and resettlement efforts for over 200,000 Afghans under the SIV, P-1, P-2, P-3, and P-4 refugee programs.
Nearly three months later, the Trump administration has yet to provide a clear response on whether or when these programs might resume.
