In a contentious interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Vice President JD Vance defended the Trump administration’s immediate suspension of the Afghan refugee program, citing security concerns and insufficient vetting procedures.
The interview marked Vance’s first televised appearance since taking office, setting a combative tone for the new administration’s stance on immigration policy.
During the heated exchange with host Margaret Brennan, Vance repeatedly emphasized security concerns, pointing to the recent case of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old Afghan national from Oklahoma City who allegedly planned an election day terrorist attack.
“I don’t really care, Margaret, Vance stated firmly; a statement that sparked memes and applause from MAGA over on social media platform X.
“I don’t want that person in my country and I think most Americans agree with me,” the veep continued, dismissing Brennan’s attempts to characterize the incident as an isolated case.
When pressed about his previous support for properly vetted refugees who assisted American forces, Vance shifted focus to vetting concerns.
“We know that there are cases of people who allegedly were properly vetted and then were literally planning terrorist attacks on our country,” he said.
The Vice President went further, making it personal: “I don’t want my children to share a neighborhood with people who are not properly vetted, and because I don’t want it for my kids, I’m not gonna force any other American citizens’ kids to that either.”
The suspension, enacted through an executive order on inauguration day, has effectively stranded thousands of Afghan refugees who had already secured travel arrangements to the United States.
A State Department memo obtained by Daily Mail revealed that the pause took effect immediately, five days earlier than outlined in the executive order, catching many U.S. partners and refugee organizations off guard.
The executive order, signed by President Trump, cites the nation’s limited capacity to absorb additional migrants while maintaining adequate resources for American citizens.
The administration argues that the current influx of migration necessitates a pause to “manage the burden” of new arrivals and ensure proper security protocols are in place, per Daily Mail.
The outlet further noted that the suspension has created immediate repercussions, affecting approximately 30,000 Afghan refugees currently in the processing pipeline.
Daily Mail outlined that among those impacted are at least 200 service member families awaiting reunification with Afghan allies, according to AfghanEvac, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Afghan allies.
The group warns that the pause puts at risk thousands who stood up for America, including Afghan partner forces, women pilots, prosecutors, judges and human rights advocates.
The decision has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle.
Daily Mail reported that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) expressed concern about the impact on Afghan allies, stating, “If you’re associated with helping us, I want you to be liberated from the Taliban.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) called the move “incredibly disheartening,” particularly regarding the cancellation of 1,600 previously scheduled refugee flights.
The refugee program typically involves an 18-24 month process, including medical screenings, security vetting and interviews.
Applicants must demonstrate they are fleeing persecution in Afghanistan to qualify for admission.
According to Trump’s order, the U.S. “lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants” in a manner that protects American resources and security while ensuring proper assimilation.
Shawn VanDiver, founder of AfghanEvac, emphasized the personal connections at stake: “These are family in many cases. These are family of U.S. service members. These are our partner forces who fought, trained, fought and bled, alongside our service members.”
