In an interview with a US-based media outlet, Vice President JD Vance firmly defended Donald Trump’s decision to suspend the Afghan refugee transfer programme. He expressed concerns about inadequate security checks for asylum seekers, questioning the vetting process.
Speaking to CBS News, Vance addressed the suspension of the Afghan refugee repatriation programme in his first media appearance since taking office. He strongly supported Trump’s stance, emphasizing security risks. “I don’t believe that all of these asylum seekers have been properly vetted,” Vance said. He added, “There is evidence that some of these individuals were planning terrorist attacks.”
Vance highlighted the case of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan immigrant in Oklahoma accused of planning an Election Day attack. He argued that this case revealed flaws in the vetting process for Afghan asylum seekers.
The Vice President stated, “Many of these asylum programmes have issues with the quality of the review process. We cannot allow thousands of people into our country without thorough checks.” When challenged by the CBS anchor about investigations into these refugees, Vance responded, “Just like the individual who planned the attack in Oklahoma? He was supposedly screened properly.”
Vance criticized media and political figures for claiming the vetting process was effective. “A lot of people in the media and the Democratic Party said that he was properly vetted. Clearly, this wasn’t the case,” he said. He added, “I don’t want my kids to live in neighborhoods where immigrants haven’t been vetted. And if I don’t want that for my family, I won’t impose it on others.”
Trump’s decision to halt the refugee programme has affected over 40,000 Afghan asylum seekers. These individuals have completed the necessary procedures but are now stranded. Refugees in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Albania, and Qatar remain in precarious situations due to cancelled flights.
The suspension of the evacuation programme has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and human rights organizations. Critics argue the decision has abandoned former US military allies and left them vulnerable.
Additionally, the US State Department has stopped funding refugee assistance programs. In a letter, the department instructed organizations to halt activities related to housing, employment, and other services for refugees.
Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, central to his 2024 election campaign, have placed the future of Afghan refugees in doubt. The suspension of foreign aid and refugee programs has left thousands uncertain about their fate.
