Republican Divisions on Afghan Immigration Policy
Some Republican members of Congress have expressed differing views from the Trump administration regarding policies on legal immigration from Afghanistan, particularly for individuals who assisted U.S. military operations. The U.S. has implemented pauses on visa and other programs for Afghan nationals over the past year. Afghan individuals already in the U.S. have also had temporary permissions to stay rescinded. Additional immigration restrictions were introduced following the charging of an Afghan national in connection with the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C.
Congressional Statements
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) stated concerns about implementing policies that could prevent Afghans with valid immigration cases from entering the U.S., citing potential negative impacts on U.S. special operations personnel due to reduced cooperation from Afghan allies.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) expressed concerns regarding the effects of reduced immigration provisions on Afghans. She highlighted the roles of Afghan citizens who assisted U.S. troops as guards, drivers, interpreters, and cooks. Senator Collins noted that veterans have expressed concerns for the safety of these Afghans and advocated for more intensive vetting procedures than those implemented during the Biden administration.
Administration Stance and Campaign Pledges
These differing Republican viewpoints occur as former President Trump's 2024 presidential campaign has included pledges for extensive deportation efforts. Some Republicans have also opposed changes to migrant labor visa programs and supported permanent status for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. Immigration cases for Afghan individuals who aided U.S. troops have historically received bipartisan support. Former President Trump has publicly advocated for restricted immigration from specific countries, stating, "I've also announced a permanent pause on Third World migration, including from hellholes like Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia and many other countries," during a recent Pennsylvania event.
Policy Changes Under the Trump Administration
Upon assuming office, former President Trump implemented a pause on the refugee resettlement program. This action impacted individuals, including Afghans who had received prior approval to enter the U.S. Afghanistan was a leading country for refugees admitted to the U.S. in fiscal year 2024, with 14,680 out of over 100,000 total refugees originating from Afghanistan, according to Homeland Security Department data. Some Republicans initially voiced concerns regarding the effects of this pause on individuals who had supported U.S. armed forces. The refugee program has subsequently been reduced in scale, with the administration identifying white South Africans as a target demographic for entrants.
In June, Afghanistan was included in a list of 19 countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions. Following an incident involving National Guard members in D.C., the Trump administration halted the processing of asylum cases, green cards, and other immigration services for individuals from the countries identified in the June travel ban. The processing of all visas specifically for Afghans was also paused.
Vetting and the Lakanwal Case
Former President Trump has stated that individuals from Afghanistan were not adequately vetted under the Biden administration. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who faces charges related to the shooting incident, entered the U.S. in 2021 via the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome program and was granted asylum under the Trump administration earlier this year. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson commented on the matter, attributing Lakanwal's presence to "Joe Biden's dangerous policies which allowed countless unvetted criminals to invade our country and harm the American people." The extent to which additional vetting prior to Lakanwal's arrival could have altered his admission status remains unclear. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has suggested the suspect might have undergone radicalization after entering the U.S. Advocacy groups have raised concerns regarding the provision of resources, including mental health support, for Afghan individuals transitioning to life in the U.S. after experiencing violence.
Congressional Role and Legislative Efforts
Immigrant advocacy groups have criticized Congress for its role in immigration policy. Shawn VanDiver, founder of AfghanEvac, an organization advocating for Afghans who worked with U.S. troops, stated that Congress has not provided adequate oversight or modernized asylum, refugee, or Special Immigrant Visa systems. He attributed this to a focus on "fear-mongering" and "politics" rather than "facts" and "policy." Legislative activity on immigration this year has largely concentrated on funding Department of Homeland Security enforcement, with other reform efforts stalled. Some Republicans have indicated a preference for immigration policy to remain an executive branch responsibility. Senator James Lankford (R-OK), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, described vetting processes for immigrants, including Afghans, as primarily an executive branch function, noting that congressional staff are not involved in the direct vetting process.
Republican leadership has demonstrated alignment with the Trump administration regarding immigration policy. House Republicans removed a bipartisan provision from the National Defense Authorization Act that aimed to reestablish a State Department office for Afghan refugee relocation. This legislation passed the House and awaits a Senate vote. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), who introduced the provision, stated that "Republican leadership tanked months of bipartisan work."
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) suggested that the "Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act" could address Afghan vetting concerns. This bipartisan bill, introduced in August, proposes a pathway to legal permanent residency for Afghans, pending additional vetting, but has not yet received a committee vote. There is currently limited legislative momentum for immigration-related initiatives in Congress. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), who has previously supported Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan military interpreters and translators, indicated that discussing such measures is "premature" at this time.