FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2018
PRESS CONTACT
Henrike Dessaules
hdessaules@refugeerights.org
646-459-3081
IRAP STATEMENT ON LACK OF VISAS ALLOCATED TO AFGHAN ALLIES IN THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
(New York, NY) – The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) at the Urban Justice Center is concerned that Congress failed to authorize additional visas for Afghan wartime partners in recent defense legislation.
The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program provides a pathway to safety for Afghan nationals who worked as linguists or in other crucial support roles for U.S. government forces. For several years, Congress has allocated additional visas for these trusted allies in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As of yesterday, neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate version of the NDAA includes additional visas, risking additional delays in the SIV program due to visa shortages.
IRAP urges members of Congress to pass legislation authorizing needed visas, protecting Afghan wartime partners who sacrifice their safety to protect American lives. IRAP also thanks the many Senators and Representatives who champion the SIV program and protection of our allies.
To view the press release, click here.
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