U.S. Offers Afghan Allies Choice: Return to Taliban or Relocate to War-Torn DR Congo
The United States is reportedly presenting a stark ultimatum to more than 1,100 Afghan allies currently stranded in Qatar: either return to their Taliban-ruled homeland or emigrate to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. This controversial plan, revealed by activists on Tuesday, has ignited fierce criticism from veterans and lawmakers who argue it betrays promises made to those who assisted U.S. forces during the conflict in Afghanistan.
Trump Administration's March 31 Deadline
President Donald Trump's administration, which has made immigration crackdowns a signature policy, had set a March 31 deadline to close a camp housing these Afghans at a former U.S. base in Qatar. The individuals had been processed there while seeking relocation to the United States, fearing persecution by the Taliban due to their previous work with American forces before the U.S. withdrawal and the collapse of the Western-backed government in 2021.
Shawn VanDiver, a U.S. veteran leading AfghanEvac—a group dedicated to assisting former Afghan allies—stated he was briefed on the administration's plan to offer this choice. He expressed deep concern, noting that the Afghans are expected to decline moving to DR Congo, a country grappling with its own severe refugee crisis after years of conflict, including ongoing hostilities linked to Rwanda.
Outrage from Advocates and Lawmakers
VanDiver condemned the proposal in a statement, saying, "You do not relocate vetted wartime allies, more than 400 of them children, from American custody into a country in the middle of its own collapse." He alleged that the administration's intent is to force these individuals back to Afghanistan, a move he described as unethical and dangerous.
Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat, echoed this sentiment, calling the idea "insane." He emphasized, "We told these Afghans that we would help ensure their safety after they helped us. We have an obligation to follow through on our promise because it’s the right thing to do, and because going back on our word will only make it harder for us to build the kinds of partnerships we may need to advance our national security in the future."
Background on U.S. Refugee Resettlement
Following the Taliban's return to power, more than 190,000 Afghans have resettled in the United States through a program initiated by former President Joe Biden, which initially received bipartisan support. However, Trump has dismantled the broader U.S. refugee resettlement program and halted processing for Afghans after an incident last year where an Afghan with U.S. intelligence ties, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, shot two National Guard troops in Washington, one fatally.
The State Department has been approached for comment on this purported plan, which was first reported by The New York Times. As the deadline looms, the fate of these Afghan allies remains uncertain, highlighting ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policy and its impact on wartime partnerships.
