WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of U.S. senators is urging the State Department to halt a reported plan to relocate Afghan allies to central Africa, warning the move could place vulnerable families in danger and undermine U.S. commitments to wartime partners.
What This Means for You
- Afghan allies who assisted U.S. forces could face relocation to unstable regions
- U.S. refugee policy decisions may affect global credibility and future alliances
- Lawmakers are pressing for safer resettlement options within existing programs
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pennsylvania, joined 29 senators in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio raising concerns about reports that Afghan refugees currently in Qatar could be transferred to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The refugees — including interpreters and others who worked with U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan — were evacuated by the U.S. government and have remained in Qatar since refugee resettlement for Afghans was paused in January 2025.
Concerns Over Safety and Conditions
Lawmakers said the proposed relocation could expose refugees to unsafe conditions.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing what international organizations describe as a large-scale humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement, food shortages, and ongoing conflict.
Senators warned that relocating Afghan families — including children — to such conditions could put them at further risk.
“We made a promise to our allies,” the senators wrote. “They fought alongside our sons and daughters for years with the understanding that America would not abandon them if the worst came to pass.”
They added that refugees could face a choice between returning to Afghanistan, where they could be targeted by the Taliban or other groups, or relocation to a country facing its own instability.
Background on the Refugees
Many of the Afghans referenced in the letter had been vetted through U.S. programs over years of service and were eligible for resettlement through pathways such as the Special Immigrant Visa program — a federal program that provides relocation opportunities for individuals who worked with the U.S. government abroad.
Lawmakers said those resettlement pathways have slowed or stalled, leaving families in prolonged limbo.
Lawmakers’ Requests
The senators called on the State Department to stop any negotiations that would result in what they described as involuntary or coerced transfers of Afghan refugees to third countries unable to guarantee their safety.
They also urged federal officials to prioritize resettlement options that align with prior commitments to Afghan allies.
“The Administration may not hold itself responsible for the events that led to the Afghan refugee crisis, but it is responsible for the path forward,” the senators wrote.
Broad Support for the Letter
The letter was led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, and signed by senators from multiple states, including Pennsylvania, New York, California, Illinois, and Virginia.
The State Department has not publicly detailed any final decision on the reported relocation plan as lawmakers seek further clarification.
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