Governor Hogan Announces Maryland “Stands Ready and Willing” to Receive More Afghan Interpreters

Governor Hogan announced the State of Maryland is committed to resettling more Afghan interpreters who have contributed to U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.

Watch Governor Hogan’s Announcement Here:

“The chaotic and heartbreaking scenes out of Afghanistan over the last several days—with innocent civilians running for their lives in fear of the Taliban—is the result of a rushed and irresponsible withdrawal.

“Many of these Afghan citizens—our allies—bravely risked their lives to provide invaluable support for many years to our efforts as interpreters and support staff, and we have a moral obligation to help them.

“For their service, these allies, their immediate families are eligible to receive special immigrant visas to the United States. Maryland already expects to receive at least 180 Afghan citizens as part of ‘Operation Allies Refuge.’

“The state’s Office of Refugees and Asylees works with a network of public and private service providers to aid these interpreters and their families in becoming self-sufficient as quickly as possible.

“Maryland receives more of these SIV’s than nearly any other state, and we stand ready and willing to receive more. It is the least we can do.

“If you are in need of assistance—or know someone who is—contact our Office of Refugees and Asylees immediately.

“I ask all Marylanders to continue to pray for the safety of every American and all of our allies who remain in harm’s way.”