To The Reader’s Forum:

There are many crises demanding our attention these days. I want to talk about just one. During the longest war the US was ever involved in, our military was supported by soldiers, translators, and workers of Afghan origin. When we left that country, these people had been promised that if they met qualifications, if the passed rigorous vetting, if they waited for processing, they would be rewarded for their service with the opportunity to live in the US and make a life here.

And for many, that did indeed happen. Many Afghans have settled in the US, found jobs or joined our military, and are working toward US citizenship. But processing has been slow, and many more are still waiting, hiding from the Taliban who want to kill them. Some are in transit, in countries like Qatar or Germany, waiting for processing.

Enduring Welcome, the program that has been processing them, is now in jeopardy. Travel has stopped and processing is threatened. Yes, this is only one of many programs that are facing elimination. But this is a life saving operation–for our Afghan Allies and for future US military missions that will depend on the good will of locals who need to trust that the US Government keeps its word.

I ask President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and all of our Congresspeople to make an exception to the cuts and executive orders. Keep Enduring Welcome going and show that the US keeps its promises.

Kelly Burkhouse

Bemus Point