Loudoun Democrats Support Afghan “Safe Haven”

LEESBURG, VA - They stood up for us. Now, it’s our turn to do what’s right.

Thousands of Afghan refugees who risked their lives and the lives of their families to support our troops in Afghanistan for the past 21 years are arriving in the United States in coming weeks, many with nothing more than what they could carry as they fled their homes, fearing the Taliban.

A portion of these men, women and children, no more than a thousand at any time, will be housed for several weeks at a time at the National Conference Center (NCC) in Loudoun County, according to an agreement reached Thursday between the county and federal government. The county and the Department of Homeland Security agreed on use of  the NCC site as one of many “safe havens” located throughout the country, between February and September.

We support these Afghan heroes and want Loudoun to proudly do the right thing.

“Loudoun County should be eager to support these men and women who have done so much to protect, defend and assist our troops in harm's way,” said Lissa Savaglio, Chair of the Loudoun Democratic Committee.

DHS deployed more than 400 officials to overseas military bases to conduct extensive vetting of Afghans entering the United States and DHS promises to install security fences and cameras at the NCC “safe haven” site.

However, we oppose those who would insult these refugees and make a mockery of America’s promise to help them by stoking unfounded fears of “the other” or seeking to politicize the process.

Let us stand together in welcoming those who have sacrificed so much for America.