Washington, D.C. — August 15th marks four years since the seizure of Kabul, a day which uprooted thousands of Afghans and left many in uncertain and perilous conditions. In the weeks that followed, the United States began the largest non-combatant evacuation in its history – Operation Allies Welcome – a promise of safety and solidarity.
On this somber anniversary, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) remembers the lives lost and honors the resilience of individuals and families forced to flee.
“Four years ago, our government made a promise of safety and hope to Afghan allies, a promise to help rebuild their lives with dignity,” said Kristyn Peck, CEO of LSSNCA. “Today, that promise is faltering. Policy changes have stripped legal protections for Afghans in the United States and made it harder for those abroad to reach safety.”
Since 2021, LSSNCA has welcomed and supported nearly 8,500 Afghan allies in the greater Washington, D.C. area. However, recent policy changes have severely hindered the agency’s ability to continue welcoming and supporting Afghan neighbors.
These changes include:
- The suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which has halted resettlement of Afghan refugees;
- The disruption of Reception and Placement (R&P) services for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders; and
- Termination of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Afghans, which puts them at risk of deportation.
“On this anniversary, we call on our community to join LSSNCA in recommitting to welcome Afghan allies,” said Peck. “And we urge elected leaders: do not forget the promise we made. A promise made must be a promise kept.”
LSSNCA welcomes and supports the reintroduction of the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act by Representatives Crow (CO-6) and Miller-Meeks (IA-01). The bill would provide Afghans in the United States with temporary humanitarian status to apply for permanent legal status, extend the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program through December 31, 2029, and authorize SIVs for family members of U.S. armed forces and U.S. veterans, among other provisions.
