A new bill introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) is endangering the latest effort to assist the tens of thousands of Afghans who supported the American mission in Afghanistan. This bill has been met with strong opposition from over 40 retired military officers, including four-star generals like Stanley McChrystal, as well as more than 20 veterans groups. They argue that Cotton’s bill undermines the efforts made over the past two years to support these Afghans.
The proposed legislation, called the Afghan Adjustment Act, aims to provide permanent residency in the United States for Afghan evacuees through additional screening, improve support for U.S. partners still in Afghanistan, and expand eligibility for special visas. Supporters of the bill have reintroduced it with hopes of attaching it to the annual defense spending bill, noting increased support from GOP members. With many Afghan evacuees set to lose their temporary status in the coming months, passing this legislation is crucial.
However, Cotton has unveiled his own bill, the Ensuring American Security and Protect Afghan Allies Act, which is supported only by Republicans, including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Critics argue that Cotton’s bill, which aims to restrict a president’s ability to provide temporary protection to foreign citizens, distracts from the bipartisan alternative and makes it more difficult to provide assistance to the Afghans who deserve it.
The retired military leaders and veterans who oppose Cotton’s legislation assert that it does not adequately support U.S.-linked Afghans or expand the number of special visas available to them. Instead, it focuses on unrelated issues relating to the Southwest border. They emphasize that it is crucial to prioritize the protection of Afghan allies and not allow them to become pawns in an immigration debate.
Supporters of the vulnerable Afghans are now focusing on the Senate to secure reforms, as the House’s version of the defense bill did not include any provisions for the Afghans. They hope that the Senate’s version will include changes that can be incorporated into the final draft of the defense legislation.
However, concerns remain that Cotton’s bill could divide GOP support and turn the issue into a partisan matter. Some Republicans who support the Afghan Adjustment Act are also co-sponsoring Cotton’s bill, causing further apprehension among advocates for the Afghan allies. Despite this, there is hope that lawmakers from both parties will ultimately recognize the importance of the Afghan Adjustment Act and support it.
In conclusion, the introduction of Senator Tom Cotton’s bill poses a significant risk to the ongoing efforts to assist Afghan allies. Retired military leaders, veterans groups, and advocates strongly oppose the bill, arguing that it undermines the progress made in supporting these Afghans. The focus remains on passing the Afghan Adjustment Act and providing the necessary assistance to those who have been promised U.S. loyalty.
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