Lawmakers and veterans are pressing the Trump administration to restore aid for Afghan allies amidst potential travel bans. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has urged Secretary Rubio to accelerate the immigration process for Afghan SIV holders impacted by funding cuts. Over 5,700 SIV applicants are facing significant challenges, including lack of medical access and potential deportation from host countries.

In light of a potential travel ban affecting specific countries, lawmakers and veterans are advocating for the restoration of aid to assist Afghan allies who previously collaborated with the U.S. military. These advocates are particularly concerned about the immigration process for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders amid cuts in foreign aid and immigration enforcement. New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen has articulated this concern, urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to hasten the immigration procedures for Afghan SIV applicants.

Currently, over 5,700 SIV holders and applicants are stuck in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, and Albania, dealing with the ramifications of funding cuts implemented since January. Senator Shaheen highlighted that the Afghan refugees are deprived of basic medical care and other essential services due to the funding freeze. Moreover, the administration’s effort to shut down numerous agencies and reduce foreign aid exacerbates their plight.

The Afghan SIV program, established by Congress in 2009, aims to relocate individuals who risked their lives supporting U.S. forces. The program’s importance escalated following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the resurgence of Taliban control. Lawmakers have been advocating for the program’s expansion, especially after the rapid government collapse in Afghanistan in 2021.

Since 2014, approximately 37,000 visas have been granted, while more than 53,000 applications remain pending, according to the State Department’s latest report. While the Trump administration’s initial executive orders did not terminate the SIV process, they hindered funding necessary for travel arrangements, thereby resulting in canceled flights for applicants.

Navy veteran Shawn VanDiver, founder of AfghanEvac, noted that many Afghan allies attempting to immigrate have no means to finance their travel. The current situation raises sustainability concerns, especially with the looming threat of a travel ban that could include Afghanistan.

Recent reports suggest that an executive order may establish travel restrictions to be enacted soon. The potential designation of Afghanistan as a high-risk country has raised alarms within the SIV community. VanDiver emphasized the necessity for Afghan allies to be exempt from these restrictions, underscoring a moral obligation to protect those who supported U.S. military efforts.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce responded to queries about the travel ban, downplaying rumors of a set list of restricted countries. Bruce affirmed continued efforts to assist those who collaborated with American forces, stating that previous arrangements remain in effect. Yet, the halting of travel flights and funding leaves SIV holders anxious about their future.

Additionally, Afghan SIV holders, especially those in Pakistan, now face the threat of deportation. A congressional aide indicated that deportations may commence soon, despite SIV holders anticipated to have protection until September. Shaheen emphasized the dire need for swift action from the administration to lift travel restrictions, reminding that those Afghans who aided the U.S. should be safeguarded as promised.

The challenges faced by Afghan allies seeking refuge in the U.S. are exacerbated by potential travel bans and a freeze on essential funding. Urgent calls from lawmakers, particularly Senator Shaheen, emphasize the need to expedite immigration processes for SIV holders. The fate of these individuals remains precarious, and it is imperative that the U.S. honors its commitments to those who risked their lives in service to American forces.

Original Source: www.military.com

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