Thread by @AndyKimNJ

We have received nearly 4000 evacuation requests from Afghanistan since I started an email [e-mail] just 4 days ago. Many Americans stranded and even more fearful Afghans. Here are their stories (protected) and what they say about the chaos there THREAD

“I’M BEING HUNTED”: Multiple credible reports of the Taliban going door to door. Reports that Taliban has detailed information about which Afghans worked for the U.S., NGOs, other nations. Many are in hiding, fearful to test whether they can get through checkpoints. 2/15

AIRPORT GATE: The top problem we hear is chaos at airport gate. One said, “Injuries due to the use of tear gas...children separated from the adults and trampled by the crowd.” A US perm resident has been stuck 3 days without getting in, “This is the most inhumane process.” 3/15

Some people we are helping got email from US gov to head to the airport, but after making the journey, they get stuck at the gate. It is inexcusable that we cannot find a way to get those approved into the airport. We need a direct POC to call once people are at the gate 4/15

FEAR GETTING TO AIRPORT: While supposedly Americans are allowed through the multiple Taliban checkpoints set up through Kabul, many are rightfully still concerned. Afghans are downright terrified. This CNN map shows the Taliban positions around the airport. 5/15

Other NATO countries are reportedly conducting pick ups around Kabul and transporting people to the airport. If in fact the Taliban agreed to allow Americans to travel safely to the airport as Biden stated, the administration should take up this effort to transport. 6/15

COMMERCIAL/CHARTER FLIGHTS: Yesterday I spent hours talking to people who had lined up chartered flights to evac people from Kabul, but were being told by the U.S. that commercial/charters flights were not allowed to land or depart even if they weren’t heading to the U.S. 7/15

We should use every available means to get people to safety, public and private alike. The U.S. cannot be an impediment. We should accept, support, and facilitate other efforts to evac people. Some limited flights are approved now, but passengers cannot get to the flights. 8/15

OUTSIDE OF KABUL: While the bulk of media/attention is focused on Kabul, many Afghans live across the country and cannot dream of getting to Kabul right now. They report that the threat outside of Kabul is even worse, as Taliban isn’t under scrutiny of global media there. 9/15

WOMEN AND GIRLS: Women are afraid the Taliban will force girls to marry their soldiers. “I ask you for shelter in your country,” they pleaded. “There is no hope for girls, to live, work or study.” Several women report they cannot go outside for basic needs and groceries. 10/15

SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA: “I worked with the soldiers on the battlefields for many years. Why do I have to wait so long? I was willing to sacrifice my life for America...But now when I need help, the embassy is not helping me.” We have received thousands of similar messages. 11/15

We as a nation made a promise to these people who helped us; right now we are failing them. Biden has not yet committed to stay in Afghanistan until we get all eligible SIVs wanting to depart. We can and should make that commitment.12/15

REMOVE AUG31 DEADLINE: Panic is fueled in part by deadline set before collapse. Biden said willing to stay longer if needed, but military still planning on Aug31. This is increasing panic as people feel they have only 11 days left. We should commit to stay as long as needed 13/15

US VETERANS/NATSEC COMMUNITY: I have been unbelievably moved by US veterans/servicemembers and national security officials working to help those who helped us. “I know he would do the same for me,” one said about their Afghan counterpart. Thank you all. 14/15

My team is working around the clock to process every name we receive. We can make no promises on whether we can help everyone, but will do our best. If others need help, write [e-mail]. Latest info from US gov here state.gov/afghanistan-in… END