![U.S. plans CARE closure by April 2025, leaving 200,000 Afghans in limbo. Advocates urge action to honor U.S. commitments. [Image via Khaama Press]](http://pkafgyouthforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Afghan-refguees-1-880x587-1.webp)
The U.S State Department has directed the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) to prepare for closure by April 2025. This decision could affect approximately 200,000 Afghan individuals, including family members of Afghan-American military personnel, children awaiting reunification, and those who assisted U.S. forces during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.
CARE was established in August 2021 to facilitate the relocation of Afghans at risk due to their association with the U.S. government. Since its inception, the office has successfully resettled around 118,000 individuals, according to Reuters.
The impending closure of CARE has raised concerns among advocates and former military personnel. Shawn VanDiver, founder of AfghanEvac, described the potential shutdown as “a national disgrace, a betrayal of our Afghan allies, of the veterans who fought for them, and of America’s word.”
Also See: US Democratic Figures Advocate for Restart of Afghan Refugee Resettlement
This development coincides with broader efforts by the U.S. government to reduce diplomatic staff and cut expenditures. The closure aligns with President Donald Trump’s initiative to overhaul diplomatic operations and reduce government spending by $2 trillion.
The closure plan includes shutting down processing centers in Qatar and Albania, where nearly 3,000 Afghans, including unaccompanied minors, are currently awaiting resettlement. These individuals are living in temporary housing units, receiving basic necessities, but face uncertainty due to the potential cessation of support programs.
The decision to close CARE has not been officially confirmed by the U.S. government, and the identities of those who issued the directive remain unclear. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions about the future of Afghan resettlement efforts.
The potential closure of CARE underscores the precarious position of Afghan allies who risked their lives to support U.S. operations. Many are now stranded in third countries or facing threats in Afghanistan, highlighting the urgent need for a clear and humane policy response.
Advocacy groups are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety and resettlement of these individuals, emphasizing the moral obligation to honor commitments made to those who assisted the U.S. during its military engagement in Afghanistan.
The international community is closely monitoring this situation, with hopes that the U.S. will uphold its promises and provide a pathway to safety for Afghan allies and their families.
This news is sourced from [Khaama Press] and is for informational purposes only.
