Emmer still concerned about fate of U.S. citizens, Afghan partners left behind

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) seeks clarity from President Joe Biden on the status of American citizens and Afghan partners left behind following last year’s withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan.

“Last year’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan was a preventable tragedy that left hundreds of Americans and tens of thousands of our Afghan partners at the mercy of the Taliban,” Rep. Emmer said in a Sept. 2 statement. “This is a cruel injustice to individuals who collectively saved countless American lives.”

The congressman also said that the Biden administration has been “less than transparent about the scope of this disaster,” especially regarding the number of individuals who may still be seeking evacuation.

In a Sept. 1 letter sent to the president, Rep. Emmer requested that Biden answer several questions to help ensure American citizens are protected and that those who helped America’s cause receive fair support.

For example, Rep. Emmer asked if all U.S. citizens have been evacuated from Afghanistan since August 2021, and if the U.S. Department of Homeland Security intends to release information on the tens of thousands of Afghans eligible for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). He also seeks additional details on the SIVs and processing times. 

America’s Afghan partners “undoubtedly saved the lives of countless American service members,” wrote Rep. Emmer. “Now, many of them are at the mercy of the Taliban, which has unsurprisingly reestablished a brutal regime.”

“Most Americans — including me — will never forget the shocking events of August 2021,” he wrote. “We must now continue our work to remedy the consequences.”