ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers during a congressional hearing that the United States is continuing discussions with several countries to resettle more than 1,000 Afghans who assisted US forces and remain stranded abroad, according to a report by Kabul Tribune.
Rubio said the administration is engaging with multiple governments to identify solutions for Afghan allies, many of whom have been waiting in Qatar for more than a year as immigration restrictions limit their entry into the United States.
While defending the administration's refugee policies, Rubio said no final decisions have been made regarding relocation destinations. He added that responsibility for resettling the affected Afghans would likely be shared among several countries rather than handled by a single nation.
US officials have discussed potential resettlement arrangements with countries including Botswana and Malaysia as they seek options for those awaiting permanent relocation.
The issue drew scrutiny from lawmakers during the hearing. Rep. Grace Meng, a Democrat from New York, questioned why Afghan allies who had previously undergone US vetting procedures have not been admitted despite commitments made.
Advocacy groups warned that returning the refugees to Afghanistan could expose them to retaliation by the Taliban because of their past support for the American military. Proposals to relocate some Afghans to other conflict-affected regions have also faced criticism from humanitarian organizations.
Rubio said the administration remains committed to finding solutions but emphasized that current directives restrict the admission of many Afghans into the United States.
Rubio also defended broader refugee policies, including the admission of white South Africans, saying immigration decisions are guided by US national interests and the ability of newcomers to integrate into American society.
The debate over the future of Afghan allies remains ongoing as policymakers weigh humanitarian obligations against immigration and national security considerations.
