The Trump administration is exploring whether to resettle over 1,100 Afghans who supported U.S. military operations in Afghanistan by sending them to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a move that comes after the president halted the program allowing these interpreters and their families to immigrate to America.
The Afghans have languished in a military camp in Qatar for roughly a year, waiting for a path forward. The group includes more than 400 children, roughly 700 women, and about 100 to 150 family members of active duty U.S. service members, according to Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, a nonprofit tracking their situation.
VanDiver told the Guardian he learned of the Congo discussions from contacts within and around the State Department. He noted that 900 of the 1,100 Afghans currently qualify for U.S. resettlement under existing law, while the remaining 200 could potentially be placed elsewhere.
The Congo option reflects the administration's pivot away from accepting these beneficiaries domestically. The State Department confirmed it is exploring "voluntary resettlement" options and called moving the group to a third country "a positive resolution" for their safety and that of Americans. Officials argued the Afghan nationals "do not currently have a viable pathway to the United States."
The destination presents significant challenges. The Democratic Republic of Congo is convulsed by violence and displacement. The UN Refugee Agency documented 8.2 million displaced persons there as of September 2025, with projections reaching 9 million by year's end following decades of conflict and instability.
VanDiver argued the entire situation could be resolved through policy change alone. The Department of Homeland Security could simply allow qualified Afghans to enter the country, he said, noting no law prohibits their admission. "The others should just come here," he said of those ineligible under current rules. "This is an easy solve: 'Hey, welcome to America.'"
Returning to Afghanistan is not an option for these individuals. Since the Taliban regained control following the U.S. withdrawal, those who worked with American forces face execution, VanDiver noted.
The Congo discussions remain preliminary. There is no guarantee the plan will move forward, leaving the group potentially stuck in further limbo. The State Department declined to release specifics on negotiations, citing the sensitivity of the matter, though it said it maintains regular direct communication with camp residents about resettlement possibilities.
Author James Rodriguez: "Sending U.S. military interpreters to one of the world's most unstable regions because Washington won't let them in through the front door is a policy failure masquerading as a solution."
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