A group of retired US military officers has called on President Trump to continue the resettlement program for Afghan allies, warning that abandoning the initiative could damage America’s credibility among its partners.
The appeal comes as the temporary suspension of refugee admissions under President Trump’s executive orders nears its end. The orders, issued on January 22 shortly after his return to the White House, paused the US Refugee Admissions Program, including pathways for Afghans who worked alongside American forces.
So far, the Trump administration has not announced whether it intends to resume or terminate the program.
Fox News reported that on April 10, the White House Office of Management and Budget submitted a budget proposal to the State Department recommending a halt in additional funding for the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE), the office responsible for managing Afghan resettlement.
According to the proposal, remaining funds—roughly $600 million—would be used to gradually wind down the CARE program by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
A State Department spokesperson told Fox News that no final decision has been made. “The department is actively reviewing the future of Afghan relocation efforts and the CARE office,” the official said. “In the meantime, CARE continues to support Afghan partners already relocated to overseas processing platforms.”
Retired military leaders have voiced concern that closing the program could have long-term consequences. “This would send the wrong message to allies who risked their lives based on America’s promises,” said one veteran who served in Afghanistan.
Critics of the proposed funding halt warn that thousands of Afghans who supported US forces remain stranded abroad or in limbo, facing threats under Taliban rule. Human rights groups and veterans’ organizations have urged the administration to provide clarity and assurances that these individuals will not be abandoned.
The Biden administration initially launched the CARE program in 2021 following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan to expedite the relocation of at-risk Afghans. Advocates say its work is far from over.
As deliberations continue, many await a definitive stance from the Trump administration on whether the US will honor its commitments to those who served alongside American troops.
