FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2024
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183,000 Promises Kept: Washington Leaders and AfghanEvac Mark Progress, Look to Future of Resettling Afghan Allies of U.S.
Volunteers from Across America Hope Commitment to Helping Afghans ‘Will Transcend Politics’
Washington, DC – With a change in administration underway, an emotional celebration at the State Department saw leaders from across government, civil society, and the private sector urge the continuation of a program that has brought over 183,000 Afghan allies to safety since the fall of Kabul in August 2021. The event, hosted by Deputy Secretary of State Rich Verma, highlighted the everyday citizens, veterans, and volunteers who joined together to lead an international effort aimed at fulfilling America’s promises to those who stood beside U.S. forces during two decades of war.
With a new administration raising questions about America’s commitment to resettling Afghans who supported U.S. forces, many of the architects of this world-spanning effort were on hand, including nonprofit leaders, veterans, volunteers, diplomats, and congressional caseworkers from both parties. Together, they helped launch and sustain Enduring Welcome, the administration’s ongoing effort to relocate and support Afghans who stood with the United States throughout the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.
Hosted in the Benjamin Franklin Room, the program featured remarks by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver, and AfghanEvac Youth Ambassador Florence Pouya.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the significance of this commitment:
"When President Biden ended America’s longest war, he made a commitment that the United States would always stand with our partners. Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable work done to honor that commitment and ensure our Afghan allies have a chance to pursue new lives in safety and dignity."
He added: "Since 2021, we’ve reunited thousands of families and resettled more than 183,000 Afghans. Their talents, perspectives, and culture have enriched our communities, showcasing the enduring strength of America’s promise."
Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma highlighted the partnership’s impact:
"This extraordinary partnership has demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing one of the greatest humanitarian challenges of our time. The lives saved and futures rebuilt stand as a testament to what we can achieve when we unite around shared values."
Verma also recognized the ongoing challenges: "While tonight we celebrate, we must also recommit to addressing the challenges ahead—from expediting resettlements to ensuring family reunification for those still waiting. The work is far from over."
Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall underscored the critical role of civil society: "You have been our secret sauce of success. Without the creativity, tenacity, and humanity of the partners in this room, this effort would not have been possible. Together, we’ve built something that reflects the best of who we are as Americans."
She added: "We built this effort from scratch, and we learned from it. These lessons have informed how we welcome people from across the world, reaffirming our nation’s commitment to those who stand with us in times of need."
At the helm of the effort since its inception in 2021 is Shawn VanDiver, the founder and president of AfghanEvac. He reflected on the extraordinary collaboration that made many impossible feats possible.
"What we’ve built isn’t glamorous or shiny. It’s gritty, stitched together, and sometimes messy, but it’s beautiful—because this is what keeping your promises looks like."
VanDiver also highlighted the moral imperative of this work: "We cannot shy away from the cost of this effort, because it pales in comparison to the $2.23 trillion cost of the war itself. The $2 billion a year it takes to support these resettlement efforts is, frankly, a bargain. It’s a small price to preserve America’s soul," VanDiver said. "We cannot allow our war to end without providing the same commitment to those who stood with us as we did to the fight itself. This is one of many things I hope the new administration takes to heart."
The event was also a moment to reflect on the personal stories that have driven this effort. Among them was Florence Pouya, an AfghanEvac Youth Ambassador and current MIT aerospace engineering student. With grace and conviction, she shared her journey from Kabul to Cambridge. "I am determined to be the first Afghan female astronaut—not just for myself, but for all the young girls left behind in Afghanistan, to show them that their dreams are valid, no matter the challenges they face."
She continued: "Your efforts remind me that I am not alone. The work of AfghanEvac and its partners has given me and so many others the chance to dream again."
The event also highlighted the progress of the Welcome Corps, a program empowering Americans to sponsor refugees. Since its launch, more than 125,000 Americans have applied to welcome refugees, including Afghans, into their communities.
While the evening celebrated significant achievements, speakers emphasized that challenges remain. Family reunifications are still pending, and the need for expanded Special Immigrant Visa access continues to be urgent. The incoming administration’s support for Afghan allies will play a critical role in continuing this work.
As VanDiver noted: "Good things don’t just happen. We must choose to make them happen—and then strive toward them every day. The work isn’t finished, but together, we’ve reshaped what’s possible."
AfghanEvac has been key to the implementation of Enduring Welcome, from streamlining immigration processes to advocating for key policy shifts. The coalition has worked hand-in-hand with government partners to overcome bureaucratic hurdles, create efficient systems, and mobilize resources for resettlement.
As the evening concluded, the sense of shared accomplishment was tempered by a commitment to the work that remains. "Enduring Welcome is a promise we intend to keep," VanDiver said. "If the past three years have shown us anything, it’s that this community—this motley crew of people who care—will not stop until every Afghan ally receives the support they deserve."
A Model for the Future
Enduring Welcome stands as a testament to what is possible when innovation, determination, and compassion converge. With over 183,000 Afghans now beginning new lives in the U.S., the initiative’s impact will resonate for generations. AfghanEvac’s leadership in shaping and driving this effort ensures it remains a model for collaborative success in the face of humanitarian crises.
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About #AfghanEvac
The non-partisan #AfghanEvac coalition is made up of more than 250 organizations, representing every part of the American experience, working with government to ensure the continued relocation and resettlement of eligible Afghan allies who served alongside the U.S. mission in Afghanistan over twenty years of war. Learn more at https://afghanevac.org
