The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: How Congressional Staffers Helped Our Afghan Allies
Dec 6, 2025
Anne Meeker, a former congressional staffer and author at the POPVOX Foundation, sheds light on the crucial role congressional staff played in aiding Afghan allies during the U.S. withdrawal. She discusses the staggering volume of inquiries staff received—from SIV processing to evacuation logistics. Meeker recounts the emotional toll on caseworkers, navigating successes and traumatic losses. She stresses the need for better infrastructure and support systems, advocating for improved casework recognition and coordination within Congress.
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Caseworkers Were The Frontline Of Evacuation Efforts
- Congressional caseworkers played a central, hands-on role helping Afghan allies during the 2021 withdrawal.
- Their work revealed Congress's frontline view of policy implementation and gaps in institutional support.
From Paperwork To Panic
- Caseworkers received desperate calls about passports stuck at embassies and unsafe routes to airports.
- The tone shifted from paperwork expedites to urgent pleas: "How do I get into the airport?"
Triage Decisions Left Lasting Trauma
- Caseworkers had to triage thousands of cases and prioritize who had the best chance or greatest risk.
- Staffers carried lasting trauma from choosing between women, children, and others under life-or-death pressure.