Van Hollen Statement on White House’s Announcement of Maryland’s Participation in Afghan Placement and Assistance Program

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the White House’s announcement that Baltimore and Silver Spring will serve as hubs for refugees through the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program: 

“Throughout 20 years of war and American troop presence in Afghanistan, many Afghans risked their lives and the lives of their loved ones to provide vital support to the United States and our allies. Now we have a duty to return that support and help remove those who face the very real and dangerous threat of reprisal attacks. I’m glad that Maryland will play an important role in helping many of these individuals and families through the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program, and I know our state will welcome these families with open arms. Already, many of our American soldiers who served in Afghanistan have backed and facilitated these efforts, as have non-governmental organizations and humanitarian relief groups throughout Maryland. I am committed to assisting these individuals in any way we can, and I stand ready to help this new program succeed.”