FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2018
PRESS CONTACT
Henrike Dessaules
646-459-3081
IRAP STATEMENT ON THE AFGHAN ALLIES PROTECTION AMENDMENTS ACT
(New York, NY) – The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) at the Urban Justice Center welcomes yesterday’s introduction of the Afghan Allies Protection Amendments Act in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The bill would extend essential protections of the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program by authorizing additional visas, ensure that previously authorized visas can be issued to qualified applicants, and strengthen and revise reporting requirements from the Department of State to Congress.
Betsy Fisher, Policy Director of IRAP, said: “It is crucial that the U.S. keep the faith with local wartime partners who protect American soldiers, diplomats, and government employees overseas. This legislation advances U.S. national security by providing important reforms and a crucial extension of the Afghan SIV program, thus demonstrating our ongoing commitment to our Afghan allies.”
The original cosponsors of the Afghan Allies Protection Amendments Act in the Senate are Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). Original cosponsors in the House are Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH).
To view the press release, click here.
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