Dear Emgage advocates,

Our hearts ache for the people of Afghanistan who have endured so much for too long. With the decision made to withdraw U.S. troops, we support the calls by Afghan and Afghan American civil society leaders, along with U.S. and international humanitarian and human rights leaders calling for an urgent effort to evacuate Afghans who are at risk. We call on Congress to increase the number of Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans and the categories that Afghans can seek asylum under. There simply is no other option if we are to save lives and prevent imminent catastrophe. Notwithstanding diverse opinions on the merits and execution of America's withdrawal from its longest war, America's credibility in the eyes of current and future allies and partners are at stake in the fate of at-risk Afghans needing immediate evacuation. All evacuees can and must be relocated and vetted outside of the country. In carrying out the leading role in Afghanistan's military, diplomatic, and humanitarian situation in the past 20 years, the United States has the moral responsibility to mobilize the international community to deliver aid and assistance to displaced Afghans inside the country, as well as to those who are or will soon become refugees.

As a Muslim American organization that stands for justice and equality for all, we are deeply concerned by the Taliban's return to power, given their history and current practice of persecuting women and religious minorities. No woman should be denied the right to seek an education or to pursue a career. No one should fear for their lives because of the way they dress or worship. We call upon the Biden Administration and Congress to do whatever is necessary to provide safe harbor to vulnerable and at-risk Afghans who fought for a free and pluralistic Afghanistan.

This horrific situation is another painful reminder of the importance of centering the voices of indigenous communities around the world when we debate policies that impact their lives. Hashtags and slogans are not policy, and the consequences of ending America's military presence in Afghanistan without adequate consideration for the 'day-after' scenario are before us.

We stand in unequivocal solidarity with the Afghan people in this moment of great uncertainty.

In Solidarity,

Wa'el Alzayat

Emgage Action

CEO