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.

Press Release // Refugee Resettlement

President Biden Must Act Immediately to Protect Vulnerable Afghans

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

August 20, 2021

Contact: Timothy Young | timothy.young@globalrefuge.org | 443-257-6310

Washington D.C. – The Biden administration has relocated approximately 7,000 people from Kabul to various destinations, including nearly 1,800 American citizens or legal permanent residents as of August 19. Reports from the ground indicate a continuation of volatile conditions, including Taliban checkpoints limiting access to the airport in violation of international law, insufficient crowd control contributing to multiple deaths, and erroneous denials of entry to the airport for legal permanent residents.

Despite an increased presence of military personnel and consular officials at the airport in Kabul, evacuations have not reached the estimated capacity of 5,000 to 9,000 people per day as outlined by Pentagon officials. To date, the Biden administration has failed to publicly communicate destinations for Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) applicants, Priority 1 (P-1) refugees, and Priority 2 (P-2) refugees, nor has it specified how it will assure and uphold humane conditions and legal rights of those evacuated.

The following is a statement by Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge, a national refugee resettlement agency assisting in the relocation and resettlement of Afghan allies and refugees:

“The administration’s immediate priority must be a drastic increase in evacuation flights, whether they are military or commercial. There is no excuse for even a single empty seat when tens of thousands of lives are on the line. At the same time, it must leverage every possible means to secure safe passage for all those who wish to flee to reach the airport. At this juncture, one misstep in the streets of Kabul could be a literal death sentence.

“We cannot in good conscience tie a life-or-death humanitarian operation to the current August 31 timeline unless we act more swiftly. Our government made a commitment; abandonment is not an option. We must continue this lifesaving work until the mission is fulfilled. If political will matches military might, the U.S. can still implement the boldest evacuation in modern history. But that window of opportunity is just inches away from closing.

“Make no mistake – the administration’s failure to heed the call of veterans and advocates months ago has put our nation in this unconscionable position. It cannot let innocent Afghans die by bureaucracy. The American people have resoundingly declared that they will not stand for the mass murder of our Afghan allies. All eyes are on President Biden as he determines the enduring legacy of our nation as one that keeps its sacred word, or abandons its friends in their darkest hour.”

The Latest

  • Press Release

    August 19, 2024

    Global Refuge urges thoughtful immigration discussion at DNC

    We hope to hear a robust commitment to policies that respect the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, prioritize family unity, and reflect the enormous contributions these newcomers make

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 15, 2024

    Afghan anniversary offers opportunity to end uncertainty for Afghans

    Today marks the three-year anniversary of Afghanistan falling under Taliban control and the beginning of the U.S. military withdrawal from the country.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 14, 2024

    Global Refuge receives grant from Truist Foundation supporting New American Lending

    Global Refuge today announced it received a two-year, $1 million grant from Truist Foundation supporting New American Lending, an economic empowerment initiative.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 9, 2024

    Texas Governor orders hospitals to collect immigration status data

    Governor Greg Abbott of Texas issued an executive order directing the state’s hospitals and health care centers to question patients about their immigration status beginning on November 1, 2024

    Read More
  • 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

Share