Operation Allies Welcome

On August 29, 2021, President Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lead implementation of ongoing efforts across the federal government to support vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked alongside us in Afghanistan for the past two decades, as they safely resettle in the United States. These coordinated efforts are known as Operation Allies Welcome. At the President’s direction, the Secretary of Homeland Security will work with representatives from across the government to coordinate our response and ensure unity of effort across the federal government.

At the President’s direction, DHS has stood up a Unified Coordination Group (UCG) to coordinate efforts under Operation Allies Welcome. The UCG will report directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security and will coordinate the implementation of a broad range of services, including initial immigration processing, COVID-19 testing, and isolation of COVID-positive individuals for anticipated quarantine, additional medical services, and screening and support for individuals who are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents. This support includes initial processing of at pre-designated U.S. military bases prior to being connected with resettlement organizations for placement into communities. The work of the UCG will be undertaken in close collaboration with partners in state and local government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.