Colleagues,
Yesterday’s bombing near the Kabul airport was a devastating reminder of the dangerous conditions under which our military personnel serve to protect our Nation and its missions around the world. We mourn the loss of these heroes and the many other lives lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones.
We honor our heroes through the work we do for the homeland they have made possible.
Over 100,000 people have been safely evacuated from Kabul, including U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, third-country nationals, and vulnerable Afghans. Some are foreign nationals who will return to their home countries. Some will resettle overseas. And some we will welcome to the United States. Through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, we will ensure that those Afghans arriving in the United States are screened, vetted, tested for COVID-19, and welcomed in their new home.
As part of that effort, President Biden has designated the Department of Homeland Security as the lead Federal agency coordinating with numerous agencies across the Federal government to relocate evacuated Afghans to the United States. Our Department has been given a crucial responsibility. Together, we will support the resettlement of vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked on our country’s behalf. This interagency effort will draw on the resources, expertise, and authorities of every part of the Federal government. I am directing the full resources of our Department to support the operation and ensure its success.
One of the reasons our Department has been designated as the lead Federal agency is because of your extraordinary talent and dedication. I am in awe, and I am thankful for everything you do in service of our Nation.
Alejandro N. Mayorkas
Secretary of Homeland Security
With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.