CONGRESSMAN MORELLE CONDEMNS DISMANTLING OF AFGHAN ALLIES VISA PROGRAM

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle joined veterans and advocates to strongly condemn the Trump Administration’s decision to shut down Operation Enduring Welcome and the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE)—two federal programs designed to resettle Afghan nationals who supported U.S. military and diplomatic efforts.

“Shutting down these programs is a betrayal of the brave individuals who risked their lives to protect American troops,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This decision not only abandons our allies, it weakens our credibility and puts our future national security at risk. I’ll continue fighting for a humane, functional immigration system that honors our promises and reflects our values.”

Ellen Smith, Executive Director of Keeping Our Promise, said: “It is deeply troubling that the Trump administration has cut the CARE Program without offering any meaningful alternative. This program was a critical lifeline for Afghans who served alongside U.S. forces, and eliminating it sends a dangerous message—that we are willing to abandon those who risked everything for our mission. You cannot claim to support our Afghan allies while dismantling the very infrastructure designed to protect and relocate them. This decision puts lives at risk and undermines America's credibility and moral obligation. Despite this setback, Keeping Our Promise will continue our work. We are actively identifying Special Immigrant Visa holders and will ensure their safe relocation to Rochester, NY and Monroe County—where they can rebuild their lives in safety, dignity, and with the community support they deserve.”

Kim Staffieri, Executive Director and Founder of the Association of Wartime Allies (AWA) said: “The U.S. must stand by its commitment and promise to our Afghan Allies.  The dismantling of immigration support for SIVs, such as the CARE team, has effectively shuttered the Afghan SIV program. It is astonishing to hear our government take the stance that Afghanistan has improved and that its safe for our allies there.  We are not dealing with an ‘new’ version of the Taliban. Things don’t get better under a terrorist regime. This is the same Taliban, the same rules, the same abuses we used as a foundation to invade Afghanistan in 2001. The U.S. must reset and rebuild a robust relocation effort for our Afghan Allies. This promise must be kept.”

Nick Stefanovic, Director of the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency, said: “As a Marine who spent most of my time in Afghanistan I know firsthand the value provided by our Afghan Interpreters. Every time we engaged the enemy we had an interpreter with us, they served with honor no different than I did. During the withdrawal I spent hours upon hours working with Congressman Morelle’s office to assist our Afghan allies and will forever be grateful to him and his staff, especially John Pellito for everything they did. This is not only a matter of empathy or gratitude but also national security. We can not expect our allies to trust us if we do not keep our word that we will not abandon them.”

Operation Enduring Welcome (OEW) is a long-term resettlement program for at-risk Afghan nationals, especially those who worked with U.S. forces or diplomats. It relies primarily on the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process—one of the most rigorous and selective pathways in the U.S. immigration system.

The Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) managed case processing sites, transportation, and evacuation logistics for eligible Afghans. Created in 2022 following the Afghanistan evacuation, both programs were targeted for closure by the Trump Administration. CARE has already ceased operations, and OEW is scheduled to shut down completely by September 30, 2025.

Congressman Morelle emphasized that the decision to wind down these programs sends a chilling message to future allies: that the United States does not stand by those who risk their lives to support our mission.

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