Washington, DC – Nasrin, a 27-year-old Afghan immigrant living in California, may not be able to vote in the upcoming US elections, but she has a message for presidential candidates on behalf of those who fled Afghanistan during the US troop withdrawal last August. She believes their voices, especially those who worked for the US, need to be heard.
The chaotic military withdrawal and the swift Taliban takeover have been a major point of contention in the 2024 presidential race, with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other for the lives lost during the evacuation. However, Afghan voices have largely been left out of the political discourse.
Advocates like Arash Azizzada and Joseph Azam have expressed disappointment in both parties for the inadequate immigration pathways available for vulnerable Afghans seeking refuge in the US. Despite some progress in processing visas and refugees, there are still thousands of Afghans left in limbo with no clear path to residency.
While Democrats have been largely silent on the issue, Republicans have used the Afghanistan withdrawal as a partisan tool against the Biden administration. However, some advocates see a political opportunity for candidates to support increased immigration pathways for Afghans as a way to demonstrate US ideals and honor commitments to allies.
As the election approaches, Afghan advocates are calling for proactive support for their community, including increased legal and mental health services. They hope that the next president will prioritize the needs of Afghan refugees and work to restore the US as a global leader in providing refuge.
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