• Press Release

President Biden Fails to Give Reassurance to Afghans At Risk

August 20, 2021

Following President Biden’s speech on the situation in Afghanistan, Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), issued the following statement:

“Vulnerable Afghans at risk were looking for reassurance from President Biden. They didn’t get it. They want to know that they’ll be processed for departure regardless of their eligibility for narrow and complicated visa programs. They want to know that they’ll be able to reach the airport in safety. They want to know that the US will keep running evacuations until they and their family have had a chance to flee from harm’s way. President Biden could have used his speech to reassure them, but he didn’t. Amnesty International USA is going to keep pressing the White House until we get the right answer. The administration must secure the airport and evacuate the most vulnerable Afghans, get more people on every plane, do it faster and spend however much time it takes.”