For Immediate Release
February 7, 2025
Contact: Communications Director Nikki Gamer | Cell #: (978) 884-0003 | gamer@afsa.org

Washington, D.C. – The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group and Democracy Forward, has filed a lawsuit challenging the unprecedented effort to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“This reckless decision has thrown USAID’s Foreign Service professionals—and their families—into chaos,” AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi said. “These non-partisan men and women have dedicated their careers to advancing America’s interests abroad, only to have their futures suddenly placed in jeopardy.”

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit, as USAID’s workforce includes both Foreign Service and Civil Service employees.

The move has left experienced professionals in career limbo, without clear guidance on their roles, assignments, or futures. Beyond the devastating impact on individuals and families, it has halted U.S. development programs that have long promoted stability, economic growth, and provided humanitarian relief for millions worldwide.

AFSA’s lawsuit seeks to reverse this destabilizing decision and continue USAID’s vital mission.

“USAID Foreign Service officers are non-partisan patriots who serve under every president, regardless of party, to implement U.S. foreign policy and advance national security,” Yazdgerdi said. “AFSA is committed to using every tool at our disposal to protect these professionals, safeguard their careers, and ensure that USAID retains the expertise necessary to fulfill its mission.”

As the labor union and professional association of the Foreign Service, AFSA represents nearly 2,000 USAID Foreign Service officers and nearly 500 USAID Foreign Service Limited officers. In total, AFSA represents 18,000 active-duty and retired members of the Foreign Service across six foreign affairs agencies.

To read the full filing, click here.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is the professional association and labor union of the men and women of the United States Foreign Service.