The Biden administration's plan to airlift and relocate wartime allies from Afghanistan faces major logistical and political challenges, so much so that they have ignited a national conversation about U.S. efforts to resettle Afghans who helped U.S. forces during the 20-year conflict.
Providing refuge to Afghans assisting in the U.S. war effort is an unusual immigration policy that enjoys broad public support, including among Republicans and Democrats. However, it has also raised questions about how many at-risk Afghans will be able to evacuate to the United States, who will qualify for refuge, where those who do will be resettled, how they will be exposed, and what will happen to them once they set foot on American soil.
Special immigrant visas
Under programs established by Congress with broad bipartisan support, designed for certain Afghans who support the U.S. war effort, they may be eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), which allows them to move to the U.S. permanently with their spouse and children.
One program is designed to provide security for Afghans working as translators or interpreters. Another program allows Afghans who have worked for the U.S. government, were contractors, or served with NATO to obtain a special visa if they meet certain requirements.
While the smaller program for interpreters and translators is permanent, the second classification is temporary and will expire once all targeted visas are issued. In July, Congress added 8,000 more visas to the broader classification, bringing the total to 34,500.
Another way to qualify for refugee resettlement
The Biden administration in early summer created a new refugee category for those who worked with U.S.-based media and non-governmental groups.
Afghans evacuated from Kabul who are not eligible for special visas may still qualify for US refugee resettlement if they wait in underdeveloped countries.
The Biden administration has been asked to use an immigration tool known as "humanitarian parole" to allow vulnerable Afghans, such as female leaders, to enter the United States without a visa.
It has also been suggested that people on parole who may be potentially eligible for other immigration benefits such as political asylum may be received in the United States.