Mariko Hirose, IRAP Litigation Director, addresses journalists at an outdoor press conference. She is surrounded by several journalists with cameras, microphones and notepads. She has straight, shoulder length black hair and wears a white blouse and black blazer.

News & Resources

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May 4, 2023

Newly Released Documents Show the Shortcomings of “Project Rabbit,” a Defense Department and State Department Program Intended to Help Afghan…

IRAP shares and analyzes newly released Department of Defense (DoD) documents about Project Rabbit,

Legal Resource

Apr 14, 2022

One Year After Afghanistan Withdrawal Announcement: IRAP Reflects on Continued U.S. Obligation to Protect At-Risk Afghans

On a press call today, advocates from the Evacuate Our Allies coalition discussed the latest in ongoing efforts to support recent Afghan arrivals in the United States and to protect Afghans still in danger in Afghanistan and in third countries. Speakers included affected Afghans, veterans, policy experts, faith leaders, and members of the Afghan-American community.

Press Release

Nov 9, 2021

Evacuate Our Allies Coalition Advocates Assess Latest Efforts to Protect and Welcome Afghans

On a press call today, advocates from the Evacuate Our Allies coalition discussed the latest in ongoing efforts to support recent Afghan arrivals in the United States and to protect Afghans still in danger in Afghanistan and in third countries. Speakers included affected Afghans, veterans, policy experts, faith leaders, and members of the Afghan-American community.

Press Release

Oct 25, 2021

IRAP Celebrates Creation of Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans

Today, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced the Sponsor Circle Program, a partnership with the Community Sponsorship Hub (CSH) allowing individuals and community groups to directly support recently-arrived Afghans.

Press Release

Oct 7, 2021

IRAP Files Lawsuit Demanding U.S. Government Protect Afghan Ally’s Children from Taliban

Today, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, demanding U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken fulfill his legal and moral obligation to protect Afghan allies and their families by evacuating them to safety.

Press Release

Oct 4, 2021

IRAP Commends Federal Assistance for Afghan Refugees, Calls for Pathway to Permanent Residency

With this bill, Congress has taken important steps to support the recent Afghan arrivals, including funding access to refugee benefits. For the tens of thousands of Afghans starting a new life in the United States and the millions of Americans who support them, these benefits are a critical lifeline.

Press Release

Sep 14, 2021

“More Questions Than Answers”: IRAP Reacts to Secretary Blinken’s Congressional Testimony

For years, IRAP and our partners have been calling for solutions, not excuses. With so much at stake, a clear and coordinated path to safety in the United States is needed immediately. The Afghans whose lives remain on the line deserve answers and action, not more broken promises.

Press Release

Sep 2, 2021

IRAP Calls on Biden Administration to Continue Evacuation Efforts, Outlines Steps for U.S. Government to Protect At-Risk Afghans

In response to the unconscionable failure to protect Afghan allies, IRAP has released recommendations for the Biden administration and Congress to take continued steps to protect at-risk Afghans.

Press Release

Aug 31, 2021

Evacuate Our Allies Coalition Members Call for More Support for Afghanistan Evacuation

Today marks President Biden’s deadline for the end of operations in Afghanistan but members of Evacuate Our Allies – a coalition of veterans, human rights, religious, and refugee organizations working on the evacuation of Afghans to safety – said that the mission continues to support those seeking to evacuate and emigrate whether to the United States or a safe third location, preferably a U.S. territory.

Press Release

Aug 24, 2021

“The mission is not complete until all Afghan allies are safe”: IRAP Urges Biden to Extend Evacuation

This afternoon, President Biden reaffirmed his administration’s goal of completing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan by August 31, while repeating his pledge to evacuate Afghan allies and “complete the mission.”

Press Release

Aug 20, 2021

“‘Contact Us’ is Not a Plan”: IRAP Reacts to President Biden Remarks on Afghan Evacuations

Today, President Biden repeated his pledge to evacuate Afghan allies and other at-risk populations, but provided few details on how Afghans in danger would be able to leave the country or what would happen to them after being evacuated.

Press Release

Aug 18, 2021

IRAP Files Emergency Legal Petitions for Evacuation for Stranded Afghans Who Supported the U.S. in Wartime

This morning, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) filed multiple emergency petitions for protection with the U.S. State Department on behalf of all Afghan applicants in the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, demanding the U.S. government fulfill its legal obligation to protect our allies by evacuating them and their families to safety immediately.

Press Release