The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Act Now Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Refugee Resettlement

Statement – President Biden’s Speech Addressing Evacuation Efforts in Afghanistan

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

August 20, 2021

Contact: Timothy Young | Email | 443-257-6310

Washington D.C. – President Joe Biden spoke today about the evacuation of Americans, Afghan allies, and other vulnerable populations from Kabul as the United States struggles with scenes of chaos at the city’s airport and Taliban checkpoints cutting off access to those seeking to flee.

The president stated that the U.S. has evacuated nearly 14,000 people since Aug 14 – 5,700 of whom were relocated in the past 24 hours. The Department of Defense previously estimated it could move 5,000 to 9,000 people per day. The president did not specify the exact number of American citizens in Afghanistan.

The following is a statement from Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, a national refugee resettlement agency assisting in the relocation and resettlement of Afghan allies and refugees:

“We are deeply grateful for the Herculean efforts of our courageous military service members and diplomats on the ground. While we have lost precious time, we still can prevent the loss of precious lives and complete one of the largest humanitarian rescues in history. We have full confidence in our military’s capability to fulfill this mission, so long as they are provided the resources and time to do so.

“While the evacuation effort has made progress in ramping up to 5,700 evacuees yesterday, we urge the administration to reach the full 9,000 capacity outlined by the Pentagon. It must also leverage every possible means to secure safe passage for every Afghan eligible for evacuation. At this juncture, one misstep in the streets of Kabul could be a literal death sentence for those deemed enemies by the Taliban. We also urge the administration to focus on evacuating Afghan allies and vulnerable Afghans, especially women, who cannot reach the airport or are stranded in other parts of the country.

The Latest

  • News

    January 30, 2026

    F.A.Q. on the Federal Court Decision to Stop Unlawful Arrests and Detention of Refugees under Operation PARRIS

    On January 28, a federal judge issued a Temporary Restraining Order stopping the Administration from arresting and detaining lawfully admitted and resettled refugees in Minnesota under Operation PARRIS while a court case on the issue proceeds. Global Refuge breaks the judgment down.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    January 29, 2026

    Federal Court Blocks “Operation PARRIS,” Orders Release of Detained Refugees

    A federal judge issued an order blocking “Operation PARRIS,” finding that the program unlawfully targeted and detained legally admitted refugees in violation of federal law and the Constitution.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    January 25, 2026

    Global Refuge Condemns Killing of Alex Pretti in Sweeping Federal Immigration Raids

    Global Refuge statement on the unjustified killing of Alex Pretti: an American ICU nurse known for his service to veterans who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minnesota.

    Read More
  • News

    January 20, 2026

    A Year in Review: How Have Inauguration Day Executive Orders Impacted Refugees and Immigrants?

    On his first day back in office, President Trump signed dozens of executive orders on Inauguration Day in 2025, many of them related to immigration. How have these executive orders impacted refugees and immigrants?

    Read More
  • Press Release

    January 20, 2026

    Statement: Trump Immigration Agenda Has Dismantled Legal Pathways and Humanitarian Protections

    One year after the Trump administration launched a sweeping effort to transform U.S. immigration policy, Global Refuge warns the United States government has moved methodically to shutter legal pathways, undermine longstanding humanitarian protections, and make it harder for children and families fleeing danger to find safety through orderly, lawful processes.

    Read More

Share