U.S. will pay for visas to Afghans
2022.12.21 08:47
U.S. will pay for visas to Afghans
Budrigannews.com – A massive government spending bill that was unveiled on Monday included a provision to provide 4,000 additional visas to Afghans who worked with the United States and an extension of the Special Immigrant Visa (NYSE:) SIV) program through 2024
Many Afghans who assisted U.S. forces in other capacities, including as interpreters and translators, have access to SIVs because they are concerned about being targeted by the Taliban, an Islamist militant group that quickly took control of the country after U.S. forces withdrew in August 2021.
However, despite the fact that the program has brought tens of thousands of people to the United States, tens of thousands more remain in the country due to a lengthy and difficult screening process. During the occupation’s 20 years, advocates estimate that 60,000 people who worked with Americans are still employed.
Since it was not extended in the National Defense Authorization Act, which was passed this month, the program’s inclusion in the omnibus means that it will not expire next year.
Despite strong opposition from opponents who assert an influx of Afghans could pose a security threat, supporters of the SIV program have pushed for its expansion for years.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a leading advocate for the provision, stated in a statement, “This is about upholding the vow we made to the brave individuals who risked their lives and the safety of their families for the U.S. mission.”
More Report of attack on Capitol will be published soon
The Afghan Adjustment Act, a separate bill that would have allowed Afghans to apply for permanent residence in the United States, was not included in the omnibus. After the United States’ withdrawal from their country, more than 70,000 people were admitted to the United States, but only on “humanitarian parole,” which requires them to apply for asylum or risk deportation when their temporary status expires next year.
