New name, same mission! LIRS is now Global Refuge. Learn more.

New name.
Same mission.

LIRS is now Global Refuge.

Welcoming newcomers since 1939.

See Our Evolution

The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

News // Refugee Resettlement

Global Refuge on CNN: We Must Protect Afghan Allies

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

July 29, 2021

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah is the president and chief executive of the Global Refuge. She previously served as a senior adviser at the State Department and as a policy director in the Obama administration. This Opinion piece originally appeared in CNN on July 28, 2021.

Sohail Pardis was on his way to pick up his sister in Afghanistan’s Khost province for the upcoming Eid celebrations marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. What was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into a horrific nightmare as he reached a Taliban-controlled checkpoint along his route to Kabul. As CNN reported Friday, villagers witnessed Taliban militants drag Pardis out of the vehicle and behead him.

This abhorrent act of violence was far from random — Pardis was one of the thousands of Afghan interpreters and allies who served alongside US personnel during two decades of war in Afghanistan. As a result, they and their family members live in constant fear of persecution, torture, and murder at the hands of a vengeful Taliban with growing power as the American withdrawal reaches 95% completion…

Read the Full Piece on CNN

Take Action For Afghan Allies

Visit our online hub to learn more about the dangers facing Afghan allies, our advocacy to protect them, video resources, and ways you and your community can make a difference.

Take Action

Make a Donation

Thanks to a matching gift from a generous Global Refuge board member, your gift today will go so much further. Every dollar will be doubled, up to $10,000 providing much needed assistance for our Afghan friends.

Give Now

The Latest

  • News

    July 8, 2024

    Timeline: Our Advocacy for Afghan Allies

    In early 2021, Global Refuge joined veterans’ groups and resettlement agencies to form the Evacuate our Allies coalition, and we advocate for the continued evacuation of at-risk Afghans and the integration of Afghans already in the United States.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    June 28, 2024

    DHS Extends and Redesignates Haiti for Temporary Protected Status

    The Biden administration announced today the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti for 18 months from Aug. 4, 2024, to Feb. 3, 2026. 

    Read More
  • Press Release

    June 27, 2024

    At first presidential debate, immigration poised to take the spotlight

    As immigration comes to the forefront, candidates must address the issue with compassion and common sense, grounded in both human rights and practical policy solutions.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    June 18, 2024

    Global Refuge Commends Executive Order Protecting Certain Immigrant Families

    Washington, D.C. – The Biden administration announced today an executive order that will protect certain immigrant spouses and children of U.S. citizens without status currently living in the United States from being removed from the country.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    June 4, 2024

    Biden administration announces additional asylum restrictions

    The Biden administration announced today a proclamation to further restrict asylum eligibility at the southern border for people who cross between official U.S. ports of entry.

    Read More

Share