Congress Is Dishonoring America’s Afghan Allies

Nine months since the chaotic US exit from Afghanistan, tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated to the United States remain uncertain about their future status. The failure of America’s leaders to provide a pathway for these allies to stay in the US is nothing short of a national disgrace.

Of the 76,000 Afghans brought to the US through Operation Allies Welcome following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, more than half either hold or qualify for the Special Immigrant Visas available to Afghans who worked directly for the US government. Another 36,433 evacuees came into the country under so-called humanitarian parole, which allows them to live and work in the US for two years but includes no pathway to a green card. To stay longer, they would need to apply for asylum, a process that can take years and requires extensive paperwork.