In the US, Democrats and Republicans in both houses of Congress have introduced a bill that would pave the way for evacuees from Afghanistan to become US citizens. “We must honor our commitment to providing a safe and legal haven for those who voluntarily risk their lives to support the US mission in Afghanistan,” Congressman Earl Blumenauer said Tuesday.
The Democrat presented the project along with the Republican Peter Meijer. About 76,000 Afghans entered the United States on temporary visas after the withdrawal of American troops. These expire after two years. They must now have permanent legal status if they pass additional background checks. Eligibility for special immigrant visas (SIVs) will also be extended to Afghans who fought alongside US forces and women who served on special counter-terrorism teams.
It is not the first time
Identical versions of the project were presented to both houses just days before the first anniversary of the US troop withdrawal and chaotic evacuation operation. Three Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, and three Democrats have introduced the so-called “Afghanistan Adjustment Act” to the Senate, which consists of parity members, thus increasing the chances of its passage. Still, a congressional aide said on condition of anonymity that the move is likely to face opposition from anti-immigrant Republicans.
In August 2021, the Taliban took Kabul and has since ruled the entire country again. The US and its allies withdrew after years of loss-making operations.