Official Statement on the Shooting of the Members of the National Guards
In August 2021, tens of thousands Afghan allies came to the United States through Operation Allies Welcome (OAW). Many of these individuals were admitted with Special Immigrant Visas or SIVs, which are given to individuals who served with the American military for at least two years. SIV holders are rigorously vetted and are promised safety in exchange for their service to America. Journalists, human rights activists, and other individuals immediately at risk were also admitted through OAW. All individuals underwent background checks conducted by intelligence, law enforcement, and counterterrorism professionals.
This week’s tragic shooting in Washington DC renewed harmful generalizations unfairly directed toward Afghan communities. Broad narratives that condemn entire communities do not honor the sacrifices of the Afghan allies who stood with the U.S. against the Taliban at great risk to their own lives and who now call this country home.
In addition, the administration’s use of this tragedy to reexamine green cards issued to immigrants from 19 different countries (including Afghanistan) and to freeze all asylum claims only creates more uncertainty, fear, and danger for millions of individuals and families. It undermines both US law and our nation’s longstanding humanitarian commitments. Immigration data indicates that approximately 3.3 million lawful permanent residents (green card holders) originated from the nations targeted for reevaluation. This decision impacts nearly 1.5 million people who fled persecution and sought refuge through asylum, which is a legal remedy and a moral obligation rooted in domestic and international law.
As Their Story Is Our Story mourns for the members of the National Guards and their families impacted by the shooting last week, we ask that this crisis not be used to put millions more innocent people at risk of persecution, violence, and retribution.
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.