The Biden administration is facing criticism for its handling of the evacuation from Kabul in 2021. In the aftermath of the chaotic withdrawal, a program called the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) was established to help Afghans who worked with U.S. forces resettle in the United States. However, this program has sparked controversy, with whistleblowers raising serious concerns about security risks and internal corruption.
CARE has been accused of prioritizing the resettlement of Afghans over the safety of American citizens. Reports suggest that the vetting process for those entering the U.S. is deeply flawed. Whistleblowers claim that the program has allowed individuals with potential ties to the Taliban to enter the country, undermining national security.
Since its inception, CARE has facilitated the entry of hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals as refugees or special immigrant visa holders. Critics argue that the program has not adequately vetted these individuals, leading to instances of fraud and bribery. Some Afghans who have been admitted reportedly have loyalties to the Taliban, raising alarms about the safety of U.S. citizens.
The vetting process itself has been described as problematic. Officials from the Biden administration reportedly emphasized admitting Afghans quickly rather than thoroughly screening them. This has left many in the program with unclear or incomplete identity information, making it difficult to ensure that those entering the U.S. are not security risks.
Concerns extend beyond individual vetting issues. The CARE program relies heavily on Afghan contractors to manage applications, which raises questions about their own vetting and the integrity of the process. Critics argue that there is little effort to verify the threats applicants claim to face in Afghanistan or their actual contributions to U.S. efforts.
The situation is further complicated by reports of corruption within the program. Insiders have indicated that there are networks facilitating payoffs and illegal favors, undermining the integrity of the resettlement process. Additionally, the Taliban appears to be manipulating the system, allowing certain Afghans to leave the country while leaving others, particularly from minority groups, behind.
Despite these issues, the Biden administration has continued to fund the CARE program, with over $4 billion already spent on processing and housing. While the Trump administration has paused the program, Congress is pushing to keep it alive, which has led to calls for greater scrutiny of its operations.
As the debate over CARE continues, many Afghans remain in limbo, with their intentions and identities still unclear. Critics argue that it is time to reassess the program and prioritize the safety of Americans.