US lawmakers demand Trump officials halt plan to send Afghans to DRC
US Lawmakers Demand Trump Officials Halt Plan to Resettle Afghans in DRC
US lawmakers demand Trump officials halt - On Thursday, a coalition of U.S. lawmakers called for the Trump administration to reverse its decision to resettle Afghan nationals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The group, consisting of over 80 House of Representatives members, included a mix of Democrats and Republicans, and urged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reconsider the relocation plan. The initiative aims to send 1,100 Afghans currently stranded in Qatar to the DRC, but lawmakers argue it poses significant risks.
The lawmakers emphasized that the move could jeopardize the safety of individuals who supported U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. In a statement, Jason Crow, a Democratic congressman from Colorado and a former Army ranger, highlighted the moral and security implications of the plan. “It’s both a moral and a national security imperative that our country live up to its promise and watch out for those who put themselves in harm’s way to help keep us safe,” Crow said. His words were featured in a
within the letter, underscoring the urgency of the request.
The relocation plan has drawn criticism due to the DRC’s current challenges. Recently, the country faced an outbreak of the Ebola virus, raising concerns about public health infrastructure. Additionally, the Afghans being resettled are part of a vulnerable group—those who worked with U.S. forces during the war. Their situation has become more precarious since late 2025, following an attack in Washington, D.C., that killed one U.S. National Guard soldier and injured another.
The incident, attributed to an Afghan immigrant named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, sparked renewed scrutiny of the vetting process for foreign nationals. While the Trump administration pointed to Biden’s administration for insufficient checks, Lakanwal was granted asylum under Trump’s leadership. This discrepancy has fueled debates about accountability and the risks associated with sending Afghans to countries with unstable conditions.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration had been negotiating with the DRC to host these Afghans. The decision followed the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul in 2021, which left many Afghans in limbo for over four years. Now, with the DRC’s political and health challenges, lawmakers argue that the plan lacks sufficient safeguards. They stress that the Afghans, who served as interpreters, contractors, and security personnel, have played a critical role in supporting U.S. operations.
Despite the ongoing concerns, the administration has continued discussions with multiple countries to find a solution. At congressional hearings last week, Rubio was asked whether the DRC plan would proceed, given the recent Ebola outbreak. He responded that the U.S. was still in talks with “several nations” and had not finalized the move. However, the lawmakers in the letter challenged this stance, advocating for a more thorough evaluation of the DRC’s readiness to accept these individuals.
Lawmakers also highlighted the broader implications of the relocation effort. They noted that the Afghans’ contributions to the U.S. mission were indispensable, spanning nearly two decades of conflict. The letter stated, “In our nearly 20-year mission in Afghanistan across four administrations, Afghan allies served in essential roles in support of U.S. operations, fighting alongside our service members as interpreters, contractors, and security personnel.” This sentiment reflects a call to recognize their sacrifices and ensure their protection.
One of the key arguments in the letter is that the DRC may not provide the level of security needed for these Afghans. The lawmakers contend that the country’s recent struggles, both politically and medically, could expose the individuals to threats. They also suggested that some Afghans should be considered for entry into the U.S., a stance that contrasts with Trump’s executive order barring such refugees. The order, signed in 2022, limited the ability of Afghans who collaborated with the military to immigrate, leaving many in a state of uncertainty.
Republicans within the House of Representatives have also shifted their position on the issue. What was once a bipartisan effort to support programs like the special immigrant visa (SIV) initiative has seen a decline in enthusiasm. The SIV program was designed to assist Afghans who worked with U.S. forces, providing them with a pathway to permanent residency. However, with Trump’s administration moving away from such measures, some lawmakers worry that the Afghan community is being left behind.
While the administration defends the DRC plan as a necessary step, critics argue that it risks abandoning those who have already put their lives on the line. The lawmakers in the letter urge a reevaluation of the plan, emphasizing that it is not just a logistical decision but a moral one. “The Afghans who aided our forces deserve better than to be sent to a country where their safety may be compromised,” one of the signatories wrote.
The situation has intensified since late 2025, when the attack in Washington, D.C., brought renewed attention to the role of Afghan immigrants. The incident, which occurred in a crowded area, was carried out by Lakanwal, who had previously been granted asylum under Trump. This has led to calls for stricter vetting processes, yet the administration’s actions have raised questions about consistency.
Some lawmakers have proposed alternative solutions, including a temporary halt to the DRC plan and a review of the criteria for resettlement. They argue that the U.S. must prioritize the safety of those who contributed to the mission, especially in light of recent events. “We cannot let the fear of one incident overshadow the bravery of thousands,” Crow added in a follow-up statement.
The debate over the Afghans’ future reflects a larger tension within the Trump administration. While some officials have supported the relocation effort, others have raised concerns about its implications. The letter from the lawmakers serves as a reminder of the stakes involved, highlighting the need for a more secure and equitable approach to handling Afghan refugees. “We are not asking for an easy solution, but one that honors the sacrifices of those who helped us achieve our goals,” the statement concluded.
As discussions continue, the lawmakers remain steadfast in their demand for action. Their efforts underscore the importance of the issue in the context of U.S. foreign policy and the humanitarian crisis affecting Afghan nationals. The administration’s response will determine whether these individuals receive the protection they have earned through their service. With the DRC’s challenges and the growing concerns over safety, the future of the Afghans’ relocation remains uncertain, pending further evaluation and compromise.