In the aftermath of the heartbreaking tragedy in Washington, D.C., our thoughts remain with the families of National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Spec. Sarah Beckstrom. As public attention turns toward Afghan nationals living in the United States, we believe it’s more important than ever to bring truth, compassion, and moral clarity into the conversation. We must not attribute the actions of one person to an entire community. Afghan allies who supported U.S. missions—often at great personal risk—underwent extensive vetting before arriving here. Since then, they have rebuilt their lives in communities across the country, contributing, working, and raising their families alongside ours. Yet in this moment of grief, harmful rhetoric has escalated—rhetoric that obscures the reality that the overwhelming majority of Afghans in the U.S. are peaceful, law-abiding neighbors who stood courageously with American troops. Today, new federal actions are creating profound uncertainty. The termination of Temporary Protected Status, combined with a suspension of immigration processing for Afghans and others, puts thousands at risk of detention or deportation—even those who have already begun the legal path toward permanent status. For years, the Forum has led the national push for the Afghan Adjustment Act—a bipartisan, permanent solution that would include additional vetting for Afghan partners who loyally served our country’s mission. Through the Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI), veterans of our national security agencies have steadfastly advocated for our Afghan allies who put their own lives—and the lives of their families—at risk on America’s behalf. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude, and the chance for refuge and freedom in the United States. Through the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force (LEITF), law enforcement leaders have underscored how welcoming Afghan evacuees strengthens public safety. Police chiefs and sheriffs across the country have emphasized that community trust is essential for safety and integration, and that the Afghan Adjustment Act supports both. And across our Welcome programs, evangelical women and their families have stepped forward in powerful ways to support their Afghan neighbors. Many have publicly advocated for the Afghan Adjustment Act, offered practical support to newcomers, and used their voices in their congregations to speak to the biblical call to welcome the stranger. With your support, the Forum can continue to fully engage and lead in this moment. Your gift today helps us:
With donors like you, John, we can fuel the advocacy, the coalition-building, the community mobilization, and the unwavering commitment needed to deliver a permanent solution for our Afghan neighbors. Will you make a generous contribution today to continue this critical work? Thank you for your ongoing support, Jennie Murray
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