Washington, Feb 12 (NationPress) Concerns are escalating among US lawmakers regarding the fate of Afghan allies who are still awaiting resettlement. They urged the State Department to clarify the situation concerning payments for voluntary departures and the impending closure of a processing center that currently accommodates over 1,000 Afghans.

During a subcommittee hearing on South and Central Asia held on Wednesday (local time), Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur faced tough inquiries regarding US policies impacting Afghans who remain in a state of uncertainty.

The State Department has plans to “shut down” the relocation facility at CAS by the end of March and transfer “over 1,000 Afghans to third countries,” according to Democratic Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who characterized the predicament as “a living nightmare” for those still in limbo.

Kapur confirmed these figures, stating, “There are between 1,100 and 1,200 Afghans at the CAS facility, and we are actively seeking to relocate them.”

He also noted that they are in discussions with third nations to facilitate this process, asserting that indefinite stays at CAS are not sustainable. “It is not humane to keep them indefinitely at CAS,” Kapur added.

Lawmakers raised concerns about reports suggesting the department is offering financial incentives for voluntary departures. Kamlager-Dove expressed her discontent, claiming that the State Department “is incentivizing Afghan allies to self-deport back to the Taliban,” and inquired about the number of individuals who have accepted such offers.

“I believe it’s around 150,” Kapur replied, promising to verify the exact figures.

He stressed that these returns are not enforced. “We are not forcibly repatriating Afghans to Afghanistan; some have chosen to return voluntarily, but we are not coercing anyone,” he said.

The hearing also delved into congressional oversight regarding the relocation process, highlighting a law that Congress passed in 2024 mandating the appointment of a coordinator for Afghan relocation efforts.

When asked if he is fulfilling that role, Kapur clarified: “I am the Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, and the Afghan Affairs Office operates under SCA.”

“I now have that responsibility within the structure,” he added.

Kamlager-Dove called for increased transparency and regular updates for members and staff, cautioning that the administration's treatment of Afghan allies will significantly influence its legacy.

“The betrayal of our Afghan allies” is labeled “one of the great moral catastrophes of this administration,” she remarked, noting that this issue will endure in historical memory.

Subcommittee Chair Bill Huizenga also inquired about the ongoing review of broader Afghanistan policy, which he referred to as an “ongoing process.”

Kapur reiterated that the review is ongoing and involves multiple agencies, adding that he will strive to remain “as transparent and open as possible.”

This exchange illustrates the persistent tensions in Washington regarding the aftermath of the 2021 withdrawal and the treatment of Afghans who collaborated with US forces.

Lawmakers further expressed their worries about the status of women and girls in Afghanistan, particularly regarding educational access. Kapur affirmed that the United States “supports the education of women and girls just as much as that of boys and men.”

This discussion arises as the administration adjusts its strategy for South and Central Asia, weighing regional security concerns against humanitarian responsibilities.

In the wake of the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s resurgence, thousands of Afghans who aided American forces have sought relocation through special visa and resettlement programs.