US Democrats press Rubio on stranded Afghan allies in Qatar

Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized the Trump administration’s refugee policy during a congressional hearing, urging the United States to honor commitments made to Afghan allies who assisted American forces during the two-decade war in Afghanistan. Representative Grace Meng questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the administration’s decision to admit white South African refugees while more than 1,100 Afghans who worked alongside US troops remain stranded in Qatar awaiting resettlement. Meng argued that many of the Afghans include former military interpreters, support staff, and relatives of active-duty US service members who face serious risks if returned to Afghanistan. She said the United States had a moral obligation to protect those who supported American operations. Rubio defended the administration’s approach, saying the South African refugee program was designed for applicants considered likely to integrate quickly into American society. He described it as a limited resettlement initiative aligned with US national interests. The secretary of state confirmed that Afghan refugees currently housed in Qatar would not be admitted to the United States under existing policies. Instead, Washington is negotiating with several countries to accept them. Rubio said at least five countries had expressed willingness to receive some of the refugees but did not identify them. Senator Chris Coons also raised concerns about the situation, noting that hundreds of children and family members of US military personnel remain in limbo in Qatar. He urged the administration to work with Congress to secure their transfer to the United States. Rubio responded that current executive restrictions prevent the admission of Afghan refugees and said he could not commit to bringing the group into the country. The debate comes as refugee advocates warn that prolonged uncertainty is worsening conditions for Afghan families awaiting resettlement in Qatar. Human rights groups have urged Washington and its allies to accelerate relocation efforts and prevent any forced return of vulnerable Afghans to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The issue has gained renewed attention as Pakistan and Iran continue large-scale deportations of undocumented Afghans. Hundreds of thousands of returnees have crossed back into Afghanistan in recent months, placing additional pressure on humanitarian services and increasing concerns about protection risks for former government employees, journalists, women activists, and others considered vulnerable. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women’s rights, education, and employment, while the United Nations has repeatedly warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis. International agencies estimate that millions of Afghans remain dependent on aid amid funding shortages, economic hardship, and continued displacement. The post US Democrats press Rubio on stranded Afghan allies in Qatar appeared first on Khaama Press.