Halt Afghan resettlements until vetting system is reformed

[Editor’s note: Gov. Greg Gianforte sent this letter to President Biden on Oct. 27.]

Dear Mr. President:

I write today with grave concerns about your administration’s vetting system for Afghans being relocated to the United States. Tragic events over the last few weeks, including one in Montana, have brought to the front issues with your vetting system. The system requires a careful, immediate reevaluation.

While I welcome our fully-vetted Afghan allies to Montana, a recent sexual assault in Montana and other incidents across the country raise serious concerns about whether your administration is meeting its obligation to fully vet Afghan nationals prior to resettlement.

As governor, the safety, security, and wellbeing of Montanans is my top priority. Therefore, I request an immediate halt to Afghan resettlements in Montana until your administration satisfactorily responds, in writing, to the following requests already communicated to the White House and guarantees that its refugee vetting system will be reformed:

1. Explain how the federal government vetted the Afghan national now charged with felony rape in Missoula, Montana, and what was missed during the process;

2. Detail reforms that will be made to your refugee vetting system to ensure that future Afghans placed in Montana are properly and fully vetted; and

3. Commit that the federal government will assume all costs associated with the accused individual’s prosecution, incarceration, and potential deportation.

—Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte