Summary
President Donald Trump criticized the program that brought Afghan refugees to the U.S., called Operation Allies Welcome, after a man accused of shooting two National Guard members was identified as an Afghan refugee. The program was launched following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, which President Joe Biden oversaw, to resettle Afghans who assisted U.S. forces. Trump and other critics argue that the vetting process for these refugees was inadequate.
Key Facts
- The accused shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was one of about 76,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. after the withdrawal.
- Operation Allies Welcome aimed to resettle Afghans who helped U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan.
- President Biden supported the program, saying the U.S. owed protection to those who opposed the Taliban.
- Critics, including President Trump, argue the refugee vetting process was poorly handled.
- Lakanwal worked with the CIA in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S. as a refugee.
- Resettlement of Afghans has faced challenges, partly due to policies by Trump that restricted refugee support.
- Tens of thousands of Afghans have been resettled across various U.S. states.
- Some argue not to blame the entire refugee community for the actions of one individual.
