'They Live In Fear Of An Uncertain Future': Becca Balint Urges Support For Afghan Adjustment Act

Introduction

In recent years, the United States has faced numerous challenges and controversies surrounding its involvement in Afghanistan. The 20-year war has left a lasting impact, with mistakes that cannot be undone. However, amidst these difficulties, there is one issue that Congress can address immediately: the need to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act.

Resettling Afghan Allies in Vermont

Vermont, a state proud of its commitment to humanitarian efforts, has become home to hundreds of Afghans who have been resettled there. These individuals, like Ashukola, an Afghan interpreter who worked alongside a Vermonter serving in the U.S. army in Afghanistan, are now part of the Vermont community. It is a testament to the strength of the Afghan people and the generosity of the American people that they have found refuge in Vermont.

Temporary Basis and Uncertain Future

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has welcomed approximately a hundred thousand Afghan evacuees since the summer of 2021. However, many of these allies were admitted only on a temporary basis and now live in fear of an uncertain future. This uncertain future stems from the fact that they are currently in legal limbo, with limited options for resolution.

Increasing Visa Capacity

The House of Representatives has already recognized the urgency of the situation and voted overwhelmingly and on a bipartisan basis to increase the capacity of the Afghan Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program. If passed, this bill would have provided an additional 8,000 special immigrant visas and would have eased the burden on obtaining visas. However, it is disappointing to note that all 16 no votes were from Republicans, with four of those members sitting on the very committee tasked with addressing this issue.

Overburdened and Under-Resourced

The current situation highlights the severe overburdening of the SIV program. With over 150,000 pending applications, the program is struggling to keep up with the demand. Processing times exceed the target of nine months, and many individuals are left waiting for relief for years. While there has been progress in streamlining the process and increasing resources, there is still a significant backlog.

Urgent Need for Solutions

The delays and inefficiencies in the SIV program mean that Afghan allies who risked their lives alongside U.S. troops are left in legal limbo. On the other hand, those still trapped in Afghanistan face dire circumstances. The Asylum system and the SIV program are currently unable to provide timely assistance to these individuals who urgently need relief.

DHS Oversight and Recommendations

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for overseeing the SIV program, recognizes the challenges and acknowledges the need for improvement. Their work has shown that while progress has been made, much work still needs to be done to decrease processing times and address the significant backlog. Recommendations are pending, and it is hoped that they will provide additional solutions to improve the situation.

A Call for Bipartisanship

The urgency of the situation demands a bipartisan effort. Republican colleagues must recognize the importance of this issue and join Democrats in passing the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act. This act will provide the necessary support and assistance to Afghan allies who risked their lives alongside U.S. service men and women. It is a matter of compassion, justice, and fulfilling our promises.

Conclusion

The Afghan Adjustment Act is a crucial step toward providing relief and permanent solutions to Afghan allies. It is time for Congress to act swiftly and decisively to address the overburdened SIV program and the uncertain future faced by these individuals. Let us come together, Democrats and Republicans alike, to fulfill our obligations and show our partners that they deserve better. The time for action is now.