Five years ago, the capture of Kabul marked one of the most consequential humanitarian crises of our generation. As thousands of Afghans who had served alongside the United States faced persecution under Taliban rule, America made a promise: those who stood with us would not be left behind.
For many Afghan allies, the journey to safety was marked by fear, uncertainty, and the extraordinary challenges of an emergency evacuation. Yet amid that chaos, the welcome they received upon arriving in the United States reflected America's commitment to those who had served alongside us.
"Arriving in the USA, we received a warm welcome from State Department friends with cheers, welcome notes, and toys for my kids." — Hasib, Afghan ally and former LSSNCA staff member.
At Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), we were honored to help fulfill that promise. Backed by an extraordinary outpouring of support from volunteers, donors, faith communities, and local partners, we welcomed more Afghan allies than any other single resettlement agency on the East Coast. Together, we furnished hundreds of homes across Maryland and Virginia, helped families enroll their children in school, secure employment, access legal services, and begin rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope. Since 2021, LSSNCA has welcomed and supported nearly 9,000 Afghan allies across the greater Washington region.
For many, rebuilding a life in the United States has meant years of perseverance. As Afghan ally Rahat Khpalwak reflected after finally reuniting with his family following years of separation,
"My arms, once empty, were now filled with the family I had fought so hard to bring to safety."
Five years later, however, too many Afghan allies remain in limbo.
Bipartisan policies that once reflected America's commitment have given way to growing barriers to safety and stability. The restriction on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, disruptions to reception and placement services, travel ban, barriers to family reunification, and the loss of humanitarian protections have left thousands of Afghan allies and their loved ones facing continued uncertainty.
"Our nation asked Afghan allies to stand beside American service members in moments of extraordinary danger, and they answered that call with courage," said Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO. "Five years after the capture of Kabul, we must ask ourselves whether we have upheld our end of that promise. We owe these families more than our gratitude—we owe them lasting safety, stability, and the opportunity to build the futures they risked everything to protect."
As we mark this anniversary, we remember the Afghan allies who risked everything in service to the United States, honor the courage of their families, and renew our call for America to uphold the promise that those who stood with us would not be left behind.
We call on Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act and other bipartisan measures that restore family reunification pathways, protect Afghan allies from return to danger, and provide lasting legal stability for those who stood with the United States.
