House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks Slams Trump Administration Plan to Shutter Camp As Sayliyah

Washington, D.C.- Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued a statement following the State Department's notification to the committee of its intent to close Camp As Sayliyah (CAS) in Qatar, which has supported the safe relocation of our vetted Afghan allies, by the end of September. CAS has served as a critical transit site supporting the safe relocation of vetted Afghan allies fleeing Taliban persecution.

"CAS has functioned as a critical 'lily pad' for vetted Afghan partners who risked their lives alongside U.S. forces and diplomats. Closing CAS is the latest reckless step by the Trump administration to dismantle every remaining pathway for these allies to safely relocate in the United States. It is a profound betrayal of those who stood with us in Afghanistan, and of America's word.

"Republicans spent years insisting that the United States has a moral obligation to protect Afghans who supported our mission. Now, under President Trump, those same voices are either silent or complicit as the administration slams the door on our allies and walks away from American promises Republicans once claimed as sacrosanct.

"I urge the administration to resume the processing of Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, reopen the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and other relevant pathways, and ensure that no Afghan at CAS is involuntarily sent to Afghanistan or another third country. The United States must honor our solemn commitment to help those who supported our mission in Afghanistan during our twenty-year war there. The world is watching."