Topline
The White House sought to address Wednesday's complaints by Republican governors and lawmakers that the federal screening system for Afghans who have assisted the U.S. military was insufficient. This is a preview of what will be a pivotal political battle in the aftermath of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON DC - September 01: White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki speaks to reporters at the... [+] daily press conference held in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on September 1, 2021 in Washington DC. Psaki was asked questions regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, federal response to Hurricane Ida and ongoing coronavirus pandemic, among other topics. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
White House press secretary Jen Psaki stated that she can assure no one is entering the U.S. without having been through thorough background checks and screenings. This comment came after Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader, claimed that more than 120,000 Afghan refugees had been evacuated in such a short time. According to CBS News, at least 20,000 of them are currently being held at bases in five states and another 40,000 are located at bases abroad. Several Democrats support the admission of as many refugees as possible. Some Republicans, such as Rep. Peter Meijer (R.Mich.), have announced legislation that would increase the limit on special immigrant visas to Afghans by 10,000. Right-wing Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont.), has also resisted the idea of accepting large numbers of Afghans. Last month, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) spoke out against the idea of flooding our country with refugees.
Important Background
Many governors, including some Republicans, have offered their states to refugees. However, not all governors are willing to do so. Governor of South Dakota Kristi Noem, a strong ally of Donald Trump, stated last month that the U.S. fully vets Afghan refugees, but she expressed doubts about the Biden Admins vetting process.
Big Number
81%. This is the percentage of Americans who responded to a CBS News/YouGov survey of 2,142 adults in the United States who indicated that they supported Afghans helping the U.S. military enter Afghanistan. It includes 90% of Democrats and 76% percent of Republicans.
What to Watch
Trump's stance on refugees could signal a wider GOP shift against tens of thousands more. Although Trump initially supported refugees, he later stated his support in Fox Business interviews that he would allow half of Afghanistan to enter the United States. He warned that this will prove very costly.
