On Thursday, the U.S. Congress passed a bill titled the “Coordinating Afghan Relocation Efforts Act of 2024” (CARE Act), aimed at supporting Afghan citizens who worked alongside U.S. forces.
Dina Titus, the Congresswoman who introduced the legislation, emphasized that the bill seeks to ensure the safe evacuation and resettlement of Afghans who “bravely worked with U.S. military personnel, diplomats, and aid workers and now face threats from the Taliban.” She added, “The passage of this bill underscores the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to protecting these individuals.”
The CARE Act of 2024 formally authorizes the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts at the State Department and extends its authority for the next three years. The expanded authority includes renewing service contracts and streamlining financial transfers among partner organizations.
Established in 2022, the CARE office is tasked with safely relocating eligible Afghans to the United States. It works in coordination with federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners.
With this legislation, the CARE office, which previously operated with limited authority, now has a stronger legal mandate to play a significant role in supporting “Afghan allies.” The bill will next be reviewed by the Senate.
