No One Left Behind is aiding Afghan refugees affected by funding cuts from the Trump administration. The organization focuses on facilitating the resettlement of those eligible for special immigrant visas. Despite the challenges and fears regarding travel bans, their efforts have seen success in booking flights and providing support to newly arrived families, embodying the spirit of humanitarian aid.
Andrew Sullivan, the executive director of No One Left Behind, recalls a poignant story of an Afghan man in a wheelchair who was injured by the Taliban for assisting the U.S. during its military operations in Afghanistan. Sullivan expressed relief that the individual found refuge in Virginia, noting, “I just think … Could I live with myself if we send that guy back to Afghanistan?”
No One Left Behind is a charitable organization composed of U.S. military veterans, Afghans who have previously fled their country, and American volunteers. Their mission is to assist Afghans at risk of being stranded abroad, especially following restrictions imposed by the Trump administration that hindered the resettlement of those who aided the U.S. war efforts in Afghanistan.
The organization provides critical aid by facilitating the special immigrant visa program established by Congress in 2009 for individuals endangered due to their support of the U.S. during the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. In January, former President Trump suspended programs that financed flights for refugees, significantly limiting transportation and assistance for those approved for travel and awaiting resettlement.
The White House and the State Department did not respond to comments regarding these developments. The plight of Afghans is increasingly precarious, particularly in Pakistan, where deportations of Afghan refugees have risen. As the agreement permitting Afghans to stay in Albania is set to expire in March, anxiety mounts regarding potential travel bans from Afghanistan.
The U.S. State Department confirmed ongoing reviews with no finalized lists of countries affected. Organizations aiding Afghan refugees remain apprehensive about these changes, expressing concern over the future of those in need of resettlement. In response to funding cuts, No One Left Behind has proactively worked to ensure that Afghan visa holders do not remain stranded, alongside other humanitarian organizations formed in the wake of the U.S. military withdrawal from Kabul in 2021.
To qualify for the special immigrant visa, Afghans must provide proof of their work with the U.S. for at least one year, often needing to retrieve documentation from former employers who may no longer exist. Sullivan remarked on the urgency of their work, stating, “Our view was, OK, we’ve got to act immediately to try and help these people.”
The organization has successfully raised funds for flight bookings, assisting 659 Afghans between February 1 and March 17. Furthermore, they established a website for visa holders to share their information to facilitate support upon arrival in the U.S. Sullivan and the organization’s ambassadors, including Afghans who have resettled, travel to locations such as Albania and Qatar to assist those in transit.
Aqila, an Afghan ambassador, visited Albania and reported that many families lacked clarity about their future in America, expressing fears of abandonment. She assured them that support awaited them and provided resources, including contact information for legal assistance and information pamphlets in multiple languages.
Mohammad Saboor, an Afghan electrician and A/C technician who aided international forces for 17 years, recently arrived in California with his family after spending two months in Albania. Saboor expressed relief and hope for his children’s future in America, stating, “I believe that now we can live in a 100% peaceful environment.”
Sullivan hopes that if a travel ban is instituted, exceptions will be made for those in the special immigrant visa program, emphasizing their vetting and dedication. He stated, “These are folks that actually served shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops and diplomats for 20 years.” Aqila concluded by reflecting on the humanitarian aspect, saying, “You can see the hope in their eyes. It’s nice to be human. It’s nice to be kind to each other.”
No One Left Behind, a charitable organization, plays a pivotal role in assisting Afghan refugees, specifically those eligible for special immigrant visas after the Trump administration’s funding cuts. Their proactive measures aim to facilitate the safe resettlement of these individuals, highlighting the collaborations between veterans and volunteers. While challenges remain, the stories of hope and relief from newly arrived families underscore the organization’s critical impact on the lives of those who served the U.S. during a tumultuous period.
Original Source: www.newspressnow.com
