Support for Afghan Refugees Needs Renewed Commitment
Nearly 20 years after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, the abrupt withdrawal of troops in 2021 left the country under Taliban control again. Many images from that chaotic moment—people clinging to planes in desperation—still linger in our minds. Following this turmoil, various groups, particularly conservative evangelicals and veterans’ advocates, rallied to support Afghans seeking to escape violence and persecution. However, the situation remains dire, and there’s a pressing need to recommit to finding durable solutions for those affected, especially in neighboring countries.
When Kabul fell to the Taliban, numerous individuals—including translators and drivers who had worked alongside U.S. forces—found themselves in immediate danger. Many turned to the United States for refuge. In the wake of this crisis, both public and private organizations joined forces to support those allies who had risked so much to assist America.
Organizations like World Relief have teamed up with local churches to resettle Afghan families in the U.S., while AfghanistanEvac has been advocating for the safe return of mission partners who contributed significantly to U.S. efforts in the region. From the onset of U.S. operations, there was an assurance to provide a pathway for Afghan allies to gain legal residency in the United States.
Amidst a growing moral urgency, many evangelical Christians were quick to provide aid to the fleeing Afghans. Franklin Graham emerged as a prominent figure, organizing efforts to welcome and support these individuals. At World Relief, churches reached out for assistance, contributing donations in large numbers. Surveys indicated that a significant majority of evangelical Christians were in favor of accepting Afghan refugees. With such grassroots support, many families found new homes across American communities relatively quickly.
Ideally, Afghans who aided U.S. efforts would have entered through approved Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or the Refugee Admissions Program, which guarantees permanent residency. Yet, largely due to the urgent situation, around 70,000 Afghans were instead granted humanitarian parole, allowing them temporary legal status. This was part of Operation Arise Welcome—a grassroots initiative. Some of these individuals eventually received Temporary Protected Status (TPS), but it’s essential to acknowledge that this is still a temporary measure.
As conditions in Afghanistan deteriorated, it became increasingly clear that a more permanent solution was needed. The Afghanistan Adjustment Act, introduced in 2022 and again in 2023, aimed to create a pathway to green cards and citizenship for Afghans who were unlikely to return home. The proposed legislation has garnered bipartisan support, with backing from numerous evangelical groups. However, despite a united front urging action, the bill has yet to pass, leaving many individuals in uncertainty.
The landscape for Afghan refugees worsened since President Trump’s administration. Little has been done to assist those in transitional states, and pathways for those still trapped in refugee camps remain largely closed. As of 2026, many Afghans are waiting over a thousand days for SIV approval, with the refugee admissions program effectively stagnated, supporting only a trivial number of applicants. In mid-2025, the TPS for around 12,000 Afghans was ended, facing backlash from evangelical organizations, which left many individuals in dire situations. By halting these programs, we are not only abandoning vulnerable Afghans but also undermining future alliances.
Though there have been many attempts to address these issues since the initial influx of Afghan refugees, no substantial legal changes have been enacted. A recent bill— the Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026—was introduced in both legislative chambers. This act aims to restore TPS protections and prevent the displacement of Afghans, offering temporary relief while a long-term solution is sought. This legislation is critical in tackling the urgent crisis facing many displaced Afghans.
Looking back on the response from churches and veterans’ organizations since 2021, the initial enthusiasm to help was tremendous. Yet, as we mark five years since the evacuation, efforts towards integrating these families remain far from complete. It’s now vital to ensure their sustainable welcome. For faith communities that have been instrumental in this support, the call to welcome those in need is clear. The commitment demonstrated by veterans and the nation at large reflects a promise made: if you stand with us, we will stand with you.
So, what will it be? Will we continue to extend our warmth and protection to our Afghan neighbors, or will we choose to ignore their plight? Failing to uphold our promises not only contradicts our values as Americans but also jeopardizes future collaborations and the safety of service members. This isn’t just a humanitarian issue; it’s about trust.
Since the fall of Kabul, the need has been apparent, and there was considerable political momentum until early 2025. However, now we find ourselves at a stalemate. It is imperative that we recommit to our allies by advocating for the Afghanistan TPS Act, the Enduring Welcome Act, and reinstating resettlement programs. Not just for the sake of our military interests in future conflicts, but because it is fundamentally the right action to take.
