Biden “Reviews Acceptance of Afghan Refugees on Four Continents with Over 20 Countries” (Complementary)

It is reported that the US administration is considering accepting Afghan refugees at US bases overseas in two dozen countries across four continents.

U.S. President Joe Biden said at a press conference at the White House in Washington, DC, on the 22nd (local time) that “we are working with more than 20 countries on four continents to maximize our ability to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan.” “We are in agreement with these countries to establish a ‘check-in center’ that can classify and process refugees in Asia and Europe,” he said.

“These check-in centers will provide a safe place for special visa (SIV) applicants and other vulnerable Afghans and their families to go through security and background checks before traveling to their final destination in the United States or other countries,” he said. .

He continued, “From Asia to Africa, from Europe to the Western Hemisphere, countries are not sparing their support. In particular, we have confirmed their willingness to support from leaders such as Qatar, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. I would like to express my gratitude for their help.” He added.

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing a statement from a US official on the 21st, said that it was considering a policy of accepting Afghan refugees at US bases overseas due to overcrowding of Afghan refugees.

The WSJ reported that the Pentagon is currently considering Virginia, Indiana and California as potential residences for Afghan refugees, as well as US bases in Japan, South Korea, Germany, Kosovo, Bahrain and Italy.

In addition, the U.S. Transportation Command has notified airlines of the possibility of activating CRAF. However, the White House, the Pentagon and the Commerce Department have yet to give final approval. There is also the possibility of other alternatives, officials said.

United Airlines said it has begun the process of authorizing flight attendants to operate under the CRAF program.

Meanwhile, CRAF, which was founded in 1952, is a rare US Department of Defense program in which airlines agree to participate in the movement of troops and mobilization of supplies when the authorities need it.

yoonge@news1.kr