WASHINGTON: Afghan allies who risked their lives alongside US forces remain at the center of congressional scrutiny, as the Senate Judiciary Committee debated how to balance national security with America’s moral obligation to protect interpreters, intelligence operatives, and combat support personnel.
Lawmakers emphasized that these partners face ongoing threats from the Taliban, while questioning and refining vetting processes for future resettlement.
During the session, lawmakers from both parties debated how best to balance rigorous security screening with the moral obligation to protect Afghan partners who worked alongside US forces as interpreters, intelligence operatives, and combat support personnel, according to Afghan media outlet ‘Afghanistan International’.
Democratic senators emphasized that Afghan allies admitted to the United States underwent extensive vetting and re-vetting, even amid the challenging conditions following the fall of Kabul.
They stressed that many Afghans risked — and in some cases lost — their lives supporting American troops and should not be judged by the actions of a single individual.
Senator Alex Padilla of California said US forces depended heavily on Afghan partners in dangerous battlefield conditions and warned against scapegoating refugees.
Senator Dick Durbin added that Afghan allies were screened multiple times over months, noting strong support among US veterans for honoring commitments to those who served alongside them.
Lawmakers also heard testimony highlighting the risks Afghan allies would face if returned to Afghanistan, including Taliban reprisals.
Senators cited letters from hundreds of Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders describing fear, uncertainty, and ongoing threats, reinforcing calls for continued protection.
Republican senators raised concerns about flaws in the evacuation process and stressed the importance of strengthening future screening systems.
While sharply critical of how the evacuation was managed, they agreed on the need for improved procedures to ensure both security and humanitarian responsibility.
The hearing demonstrated that Afghan allies remain a central issue in US policy discussions, with lawmakers signaling continued oversight, debate, and efforts to refine resettlement processes while reaffirming America’s promise to those who stood with its troops.
