Do Not Send America’s Afghan Allies Back To The Taliban

As your constituent, I urge you to co-sponsor and support the bipartisan Afghanistan TPS Act, H.R. 9899. The bill would protect eligible, carefully screened Afghans already in the United States from being returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where many American allies and their families could face persecution, imprisonment, or death. AFGHANISTAN REMAINS DANGEROUS The U.S. Department of State warns Americans not to travel to Afghanistan because of terrorism, kidnapping, wrongful detention, civil unrest, crime, and limited health services. Former interpreters, government personnel, journalists, civil-society workers, and women’s-rights advocates may face particular danger. Some worked openly beside American personnel, making their identities and affiliations known or discoverable. TEMPORARY PROTECTION WITH STRICT SCREENING H.R. 9899 would not provide automatic protection. Each applicant would have to meet the law’s eligibility requirements, provide biometric and biographic information, and undergo criminal and national-security screening. Applicants barred by federal law because of serious crimes, terrorism concerns, or national-security risks would not qualify. The bill would designate Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status through July 1, 2029. It would allow eligible Afghan nationals already present in the United States to remain and work here temporarily. It would not grant permanent residence or citizenship. AMERICA SHOULD KEEP ITS WORD Many Afghans supported American troops, diplomats, and aid workers during two decades of U.S. operations. Forcing these partners or their families back into danger would break faith with people who relied on American commitments. It could also harm U.S. national security. American troops, diplomats, and intelligence personnel may need local partners in future conflicts. Future partners may be less willing to accept extraordinary risks if they believe the United States could later abandon them. Congress should also recognize the message this bill sends beyond Afghanistan. Protecting vetted partners shows that the United States honors its commitments, strengthens trust in American leadership, and makes it easier for U.S. personnel to secure local cooperation in future crises. CONGRESS SHOULD PASS H.R. 9899 Congress should provide stable temporary protection while conditions in Afghanistan remain extremely dangerous. H.R. 9899 would create a clear statutory safeguard while preserving individual eligibility and security reviews. I urge you to: (1) CO-SPONSOR. Co-sponsor H.R. 9899 and encourage members of both parties to support it. (2) MOVE THE BILL FORWARD. Support prompt consideration of H.R. 9899 by the House Judiciary Committee and the full House. (3) VOTE YES. Vote for final passage so eligible Afghans are not forced back into danger under Taliban rule. Thank you.