The U.S. State Department office responsible for Afghan resettlement is reviewing plans to close by April, according to officials and sources familiar with the matter. The move, part of a broader government review, could impact thousands of Afghans awaiting relocation to the United States.
The Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) was established during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 to assist Afghans eligible for resettlement. Initially a temporary initiative, CARE became a permanent program in October 2022 and has since facilitated the relocation of approximately 118,000 people.
Under the current review, options are being considered for the office’s future, including the potential closure of processing centers in Qatar and Albania, where nearly 3,000 Afghans, including unaccompanied minors, are waiting for final relocation steps.
The review aligns with President Trump’s broader efforts to reassess government programs, streamline spending, and adjust foreign aid policies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are among those expected to evaluate the next steps.
110,000 Afghans in Afghanistan with pending SIV or refugee applications.
40,000 individuals already cleared for relocation awaiting final processing.
50,000 more in 90 countries, including Pakistan, in various stages of resettlement.
Advocacy groups have expressed concern about the program’s future, noting its role in supporting those who worked alongside the U.S. during the 20-year engagement in Afghanistan.
Trump’s administration has initiated a 90-day review of the refugee program to assess its effectiveness and alignment with foreign policy priorities. Meanwhile, organizations involved in relocation efforts continue to work with officials to explore solutions for those affected.
The White House and the State Department have not commented on the discussions. As the review progresses, officials are expected to weigh various options to ensure a balanced approach that considers policy priorities and commitments made to Afghan partners.
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