FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2017
PRESS CONTACT
Sarah Blume
sblume@refugeerights.org
646.602.5654
IRAP LAUDS SENATE LEADERSHIP ON BEHALF OF AFGHAN ALLIES
(New York, NY) – The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) at the Urban Justice Center is thrilled at the inclusion of 4,000 visas for Afghan allies in the Senate draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018. Should this legislation be approved and signed into law, thousands of those most at risk for their service to the United States will be able to access safety.
“These future Americans have served our armed forces and diplomatic corps for years — sometimes over a decade,” said Mac McEachin, National Security Policy Associate at IRAP. “These visas will allow us to continue honoring our promise to them and their families — a promise that is long overdue!”
“How we treat our allies now determines who will trust us in the future. We are overjoyed to learn that American leadership and might will continue to be reflected by our treatment of our Afghan partners,” said Betsy Fisher, Policy Director of IRAP.
The Afghan SIV program, which has existed since 2009, provides a pipeline to safety for America’s most trusted allies. Afghans who worked for the United States as linguists, security staff, cultural advisors, and in other capacities are hunted by the Taliban and often see their families murdered as retribution. There are over 13,000 visa applicants, and fewer than 3,000 visas remaining.
Senate champions include Armed Services Chairman John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Armed Services Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI). IRAP is deeply grateful for their leadership and bipartisan efforts to advance this national security program.
To view the press release, click here: IRAP-LAUDS-SENATE-LEADERSHIP-ON-BEHALF-OF-AFGHAN-ALLIES-Press-Release-June-28-2017
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