Fact Check: The United States Afghan Refugee Resettlement Programs

There is no evidence of terrorists entering the United States through refugee resettlement programs. All refugees entering the United States undergo intensive vetting.

As many states begin receiving and resettling refugees from Afghanistan, questions around security risks have intensified. For example, former President Donald Trump and CNN correspondent Tucker Carlson have expressed sentiments of distrust about accepting refugees.

On August 15, 2021, the Taliban seized control of Kabul. Under the Taliban, Sharia law was implemented limiting the rights of Afghan women, and increasing danger for all civilians. In an effort to assist the people of Afghanistan, the Biden administration enacted measures to expedite the processing of the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV.)

Expediting these visas has not compromised the vetting process. Before entering the United States, each individual must undergo intelligence screenings by law enforcement, intelligence officials, and counterterrorism officials. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor of the United States, has verified that the background checks include both biographic and biometric vetting, which includes palm prints, voiceprints, iris scans, and facial photos. Alejandro Mayorkas, who serves as the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, stated for added security, screenings take place in third-party countries such as Spain, Germany, and Qatar. Furthermore, they have flagged and denied entry for any individual who has appeared on a terrorism watchlist, or anyone whose information does not clear their security screenings.

The Biden administration has been committed to assisting Afghan refugees while maintaining the safety and security of the United States. 40,000 Afghan refugees have been admitted to the United States -- 13% of whom have US citizenship, 8% of whom have permanent residence, and 79% of whom are Afghans who cooperated with the United States or are considered vulnerable populations. The claim that Afghan refugees entering the United States are terrorists is irrevocably FALSE.