Vice President JD Vance and CBS host Margaret Brennan clashed fiercely on Sunday. The topic? President Trump’s decision to halt a refugee program that barred hundreds of Afghans from entering the United States.
During the fiery exchange on Face the Nation, Vance slammed the vetting process for refugees. He insisted it was not thorough enough. His main concern, he said, was the safety of Americans.
Brennan challenges Vance on refugee entry
Brennan challenged Vance. She asked if Afghan refugees, including those who assisted the U.S. government, should be allowed to enter the country. She reminded him of his previous remarks that the U.S. should not abandon those who’ve helped America. Vance didn’t back down.
“I don’t think all the refugees have been properly vetted,” he shot back. “We’ve seen problems with vetting. We cannot bring in thousands of people without proper checks.”
Vance highlights terror case of Afghan national
Vance’s remarks were sharp. He pointed to a recent case involving an Afghan national, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who had been arrested in November for allegedly planning a terrorist attack on Election Day. Tawhedi had entered the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa after Biden’s chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021.
“I don’t want my children to live next door to people who haven’t been properly vetted,” Vance, a father of three, declared. “I’m not going to force that on any other American.”
Brennan defends refugees, but Vance stays firm
Brennan pushed back, questioning whether Tawhedi was radicalized before or after arriving in the U.S. She called it a “unique case.” But Vance was unmoved.
“I don’t care, Margaret,” he said bluntly. “I don’t want him in my country, and I think most Americans agree.”
Tawhedi didn’t come through the refugee program but via a humanitarian parole program, officials clarified. This allowed him temporary stay while applying for permanent residency.
Trump suspends refugee program amid growing concerns
Meanwhile, last week, Trump made waves by suspending the U.S. refugee resettlement program. The halt was initially set to begin on Monday. However, it had immediate consequences. More than 1,600 Afghans, who had already been approved to enter the U.S., had their travel plans canceled. These individuals had worked alongside U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan.
The future of U.S. refugee policy remains uncertain
This program had long been a lifeline for refugees fleeing war and persecution. Under it, the U.S. had taken in hundreds of thousands from various global conflicts. But Trump’s suspension puts the future of the program in doubt.
The clash between Vance and Brennan highlights a growing divide over U.S. refugee policy. While some argue for compassion and humanitarian aid, others demand stronger vetting procedures to protect American citizens. As the debate continues, the fate of many refugees hangs in the balance.
