Veterans Urge Trump to Preserve Afghan Resettlement Programs

Hundreds of U.S. veterans and officials are urging President-elect Donald Trump to maintain visa and resettlement programs for Afghans who risk Taliban retribution for supporting U.S. efforts during the war in Afghanistan. A letter from the coalition #AfghanEvac emphasizes the moral obligation to protect these individuals, stating that abandoning them would betray the values upheld by American forces. The letter calls for additional funding and requests Congress to approve 50,000 more Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) as the current cap is expected to be exhausted soon. Concerns are raised that Trump may impose bureaucratic barriers to these programs, especially with Stephen Miller expected to resume a prominent role in the administration. Despite this, some officials, like incoming National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, advocate for the continued support of SIV programs. The collective plea highlights the urgency of addressing the needs of at-risk Afghans as they seek refuge in the U.S.