No One Left Behind: A Lifeline for Afghan Refugees After Funding Cuts
No One Left Behind, an organization supporting Afghans who helped the U.S. military, is stepping in to aid refugees after funding cuts from the Trump administration hindered resettlement efforts. Led by Andrew Sullivan, the organization assists with flight arrangements and integrates Afghan families into American life, ensuring they receive necessary support despite the uncertain political landscape.
In light of funding cuts from the Trump administration, the organization No One Left Behind has emerged to assist Afghans who supported U.S. efforts during the Afghanistan war. Led by Andrew Sullivan, the organization aims to aid those at risk of being stranded overseas, including individuals like an Afghan man who was shot by the Taliban for his allegiance to the U.S. military.
No One Left Behind focuses on people eligible for the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program established by Congress in 2009. This program aims to protect those who assisted U.S. operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Following the suspension of funding and flight programs by the Trump administration, many Afghans found themselves without clear pathways to resettlement despite having visas.
Concerns persist over the future of Afghan refugees, especially as Pakistan intensifies deportations and a temporary agreement with Albania approaches expiration. Accompanying these uncertainties is the potential for a travel ban that could further restrict entry from Afghanistan, as indicated in Trump’s executive order to evaluate vetting procedures for certain countries.
In response to funding suspensions, No One Left Behind has made significant strides in aiding Afghan refugees. The organization aims to ensure visa holders do not become stranded. They have successfully arranged flights and responded to the immediate needs of Afghans arriving in the U.S., booking 659 flights between February and March. Their website helps facilitate communication among visa holders and offer necessary resources for their settlement.
Afghan ambassadors, like Aqila, assist in resettlement efforts by providing information and reassurance to families unfamiliar with what to expect upon arrival. They distribute cards with legal contact details and guidance on rights in multiple languages. Personal stories, such as that of Mohammad Saboor, illustrate the urgency and hope these efforts bring as families transition from fear in Afghanistan to safety in the U.S.
Sullivan expresses hope that Afghan SIV holders will be exempt from any potential travel bans, emphasizing their critical partnership with U.S. forces over two decades. The impact of these resettlement efforts is visible, reflected in the joy and hope seen in the eyes of newly settled families like Saboor’s who look ahead with optimism.
The establishment of No One Left Behind plays a crucial role in securing the safety and resettlement of Afghans who aided U.S. efforts during the war, especially following the funding cuts initiated by the Trump administration. With effective strategies to facilitate flight arrangements and on-ground support in the U.S., the organization demonstrates the vital role of community and veteran involvement in ensuring that those at risk do not remain stranded. Many Afghans are now carving out new lives in America, hopeful for their futures in a safe environment.
Original Source: www.newspressnow.com
