AfghanEvac, a coalition of U.S. military veterans advocating for Afghan refugees, says a new poll shows strong public support for admitting Afghans who previously worked alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
According to AfghanEvac, 72 percent of Americans surveyed support admitting Afghan allies who assisted or worked with the U.S. military during its mission in Afghanistan.
The organization said support increased significantly after respondents were provided with information about the role Afghan partners played in supporting U.S. operations. Before receiving that information, 52 percent of respondents supported admitting Afghan allies. After learning more about their contributions, support reportedly rose to 72 percent.
AfghanEvac has been among the organizations advocating for Afghans who supported the United States during the two-decade war in Afghanistan. Many former Afghan military personnel, interpreters, contractors and other partners have sought relocation to the United States since the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.
The poll results, as presented by AfghanEvac, indicate that public understanding of the contributions made by Afghan partners could influence attitudes toward refugee and resettlement policies.
The issue remains particularly significant for Afghan allies who say they face security risks because of their previous association with the U.S. government and military. Veterans’ groups and refugee advocates have continued to call for greater support for those seeking protection.
The reported increase in public support also highlights the ongoing debate in the United States over its responsibilities toward Afghans who assisted American forces during the war and evacuation.