Thousands of Afghan Families Remain Separated After U.S. Withdrawal

The tumultuous withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 left a trail of heartbreak and separation, with thousands of Afghan families torn apart in the chaos. Tamim Satari, an intelligence officer who had worked alongside the American military coordinating aerial bomb campaigns against the Taliban, found himself racing to Kabul International Airport, desperate to evacuate. But amidst the pandemonium, his wife, Shiba, and their newborn son were left behind.

"It was so hard, and we didn't want to lose our small son," Satari recounted, his words echoing the anguish of countless others who faced similar agonizing choices.

The Unending Struggle for Reunion

Three years on, more than 10,000 families remain separated, their lives irrevocably altered by the hasty withdrawal. Babies were passed through throngs of people and over fences, desperate families scrambling to reach the airport gates, hoping against hope for a chance at safety.

Shawn VanDiver, the founder of #AfghanEvac, a nonprofit that has been instrumental in working with the State Department to create pathways for reunifying separated Afghan families, paints a stark picture: "There's all these moms or dads or young children who are stuck here without their family. These people are in danger because of us. And the least we can do is help them reunite." He emphasizes that this separation extends to 2,800 unaccompanied refugee minors — children who made it to the U.S., but whose parents did not, or who were left behind as their families fled.

The CARE Program: A Beacon of Hope

VanDiver collaborates with the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE), a State Department program established to assist Afghans who aided the U.S. military and are now facing persecution in their homeland. CARE has been instrumental in facilitating the resettlement of thousands of Afghans, providing them with crucial support and resources as they rebuild their lives.

Obstacles and Uncertainties

Despite the commendable efforts of organizations like #AfghanEvac and the CARE program, numerous obstacles hinder the reunification process. Former President Trump's executive order, which imposed a near-total ban on refugee resettlement, has significantly hampered the ability of approved Afghans to leave Afghanistan. This, coupled with funding cuts and staffing reductions within relevant government agencies, has created a bureaucratic quagmire.

Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, who supported the CARE program, expresses his deep concern for the plight of these Afghan allies: "I've heard countless horror stories of torture and murder of these allies of the United States," he stated, urging the administration to honor its commitment to protect those who risked their lives to assist American forces.

The Weight of Vetting

While some lawmakers raise concerns about national security, advocating for stricter vetting procedures, others argue that the existing system is already robust. "You want to vet them again? Go ahead. But they've already been vetted, and probably the most thorough vetting in American history," asserts McCaul, highlighting the multiple layers of scrutiny Afghan applicants undergo, including interviews, biometric checks, and extensive medical screenings.

A Future Filled with Hope

Amidst the challenges, Tamim Satari remains hopeful for a brighter future. He has settled in New Jersey, secured employment, and is pursuing his real estate license. "I have a lot of hope in the future," he says, his voice carrying a newfound sense of determination. "I would like to have a great life. I am responsible for taking care of my son, to enroll him in school and start lessons over there. I have a big hope."