Memorandum on the Designation of the Department of Homeland Security as Lead Federal Department for Facilitating the Entry of Vulnerable Afghans into the Uni

3/2/22, 5:36 PM

Memorandum on the Designation of the Department of Homeland Security as Lead Federal Department for Facilitating the Entry of…

BRIEFING ROOM

Memorandum on the Designation of the Department of
Homeland Security as Lead Federal Department for
Facilitating the Entry of Vulnerable Afghans into the
United States
AUGUST 29, 2021 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT:       Designation of the Department of Homeland Security as Lead Federal
Department for Facilitating the Entry of Vulnerable Afghans into the United States
Pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive5 (Management of Domestic Incidents), and as further complemented by other Presidential
policy directives, the President has directed the Secretary of Homeland Security (the
Secretary) to lead the coordination of ongoing efforts across the Federal Government to
resettle vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked on behalf of the United States.  This
process includes but is not limited to initial immigration processing, COVID-19 testing,
separation of COVID-positive individuals for anticipated quarantine, and resettlement support
for evacuees who are neither American citizens nor lawful permanent residents and who will
be temporarily accommodated at select U.S. military bases before relocating to communities
across the country.
The President has further directed the Secretary to establish a Unified Coordination Group. 
The Secretary will identify a Senior Response Official, subject to the oversight, direction, and
guidance of the Secretary, who shall lead and coordinate the Unified Coordination Group.  The
Senior Response Official will employ the National Response Framework to enhance unity of
effort; develop strategic objectives and priorities; coordinate with senior Federal, state, local,
tribal, and territorial officials, as well as representatives of private sector and nongovernmental
entities; elevate and resolve national-level resource and policy issues through the National

Security Memorandum-2 process; and lead communication efforts with affected parties and
the public.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/08/29/memorandum-on-the-designation-of-the-department-of-homeland-security-…

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3/2/22, 5:36 PM

Memorandum on the Designation of the Department of Homeland Security as Lead Federal Department for Facilitating the Entry of…

All relevant Federal departments and agencies are directed to provide their full and prompt
cooperation, resources, and support, consistent with their own responsibilities for addressing
the situation, and shall cooperate with the Secretary and the Senior Response Official to ensure
a unified Federal response.  The President’s expectation is clear:  the Department of Homeland
Security shall serve as the lead Federal agency, coordinating the effort with other Federal
agencies with the full support of the entire Cabinet.
Nothing in this memorandum abrogates, alters, or impedes the ability of Federal departments
and agencies or Federal officials to perform their responsibilities under law.
JAKE SULLIVAN

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/08/29/memorandum-on-the-designation-of-the-department-of-homeland-security-…

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