Key Takeaways
• Lawmakers request 20,000 extra SIVs for Afghan allies in the 2026 federal budget.
• Afghan SIV applicants face dangers, legal limbo, and increasing deportation threats in countries like Pakistan.
• Backlog and slow processing continue despite bipartisan support and urgent calls from advocacy groups and veterans.
More than 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives are pushing for an extra 20,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) to be set aside for Afghan allies in the federal budget for 2026. This request, led by Representatives Zach Nunn and Jason Crow, highlights a sense of urgency and concern for those who supported American forces and are now in danger because of their actions during the war in Afghanistan. The group’s appeal asks the House Homeland Security Committee to make these visas a priority, underlining the deep risks faced by these individuals and their families today.
Why Lawmakers Are Acting Now
The push for these additional Special Immigrant Visas comes at a time when Afghan nationals who helped the United States are under growing threat. Many played roles such as interpreters, guides, or security aides. Their close support for American forces over two decades means they are now targets for groups like the Taliban and ISIS. Lawmakers are calling the move “vital” for the safety of these Afghan allies, saying it’s a life-or-death matter, not just a regular policy debate.
As they wrote in their letter, “These visa holders played a critical role in supporting U.S. national security and democratic efforts in Afghanistan. Securing sufficient visas is not just a matter of policy, it’s a matter of life and death for our wartime allies.”
The Situation for Afghan Allies Left Behind
Today, many Afghan SIV applicants are waiting for a chance to move to the United States. They have already been carefully checked through security processes, but their lives are still on hold. Some have been forced to leave Afghanistan and wait in other countries, such as Pakistan. However, things are not easy in these places either.
Pakistani officials have started taking a tougher approach toward people without valid visas. For many Afghan families, keeping their legal status in Pakistan is expensive or even impossible. One applicant in Pakistan spoke out: “My father worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan. After the collapse, we had to flee. We don’t have valid visas here anymore. We can’t afford to renew them. The threat of being deported is real, and we urge the United States not to forget us and to expedite our cases.”
The United States has also started sending warnings of possible removal to some Afghan refugees living in northern California. These notices from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have left many fearing they could be sent away, despite their connections and prior service.
The Background of the SIV Program
The Special Immigrant Visa program began in 2009, aimed at helping Iraqis and Afghans who directly supported American military and government efforts. Over the years, more than 170,000 Afghans have come to the United States under these programs. This figure includes about 47,000 applicants who were the main holders, as well as around 123,000 family members who joined them.
There are three main SIV programs for Iraqi and Afghan nationals, with one permanent program for those who worked directly with the U.S. Armed Forces. The existence of these programs shows a long-standing effort to repay the help these allies gave to American troops, often by putting their own lives and futures at risk.
Past Calls for More SIVs
This call for extra Special Immigrant Visas is not the first. In March 2024, President Biden’s Administration formally asked Congress to approve an additional 20,000 visas as part of its annual spending plan. Since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the backlog of SIV applicants has grown, and advocates have become more vocal about fixing the delays.
Groups like the #AfghanEvac coalition have worked alongside both lawmakers and the Biden Administration to keep attention on this issue. The coalition, along with many Afghan advocacy groups, is urging Congress to solve the backlogs, as thousands of applicants still live in fear and face possible harm if forced to return or stay where they are now.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that despite high hopes after major events like the U.S. withdrawal, the wait for many Afghan allies has grown longer, and quick action is needed to save lives and fulfill America’s promises.
Why This Issue Matters
The lawmakers’ request is about more than just government paperwork. For the Afghan allies in question, it could mean the difference between safety and great risk. Here’s why:
- Danger from the Taliban and Other Groups: The Taliban has made it clear that anyone who worked with the United States is considered an enemy. ISIS and other militant groups also view these individuals with suspicion or as targets.
- Homeless in Third Countries: Fleeing Afghanistan does not always mean a better life awaits. In countries like Pakistan, Afghan families can face deportation, police harassment, or a lack of legal rights.
- Family Separation: Many applicants are worried not only for themselves but also for their spouses and children. A delay in getting a visa may keep parents and children apart or leave families exposed to the same dangers.
The Stakes and The Response
Lawmakers warn that if action is not taken, it would amount to “abandoning America’s wartime partners.” Their letter tries to make lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee and their colleagues understand the urgency. They stress that America’s promises to these allies should be kept. As Congressman Jason Crow, who fought in Afghanistan and now sits on the House Armed Services Committee, put it, these are American “wartime allies” and the United States has a duty to protect them.
So far, the issue has drawn rare bipartisan support, with Republicans and Democrats alike agreeing that these Afghans should not be forgotten. While political divides can slow change in Congress, the shared memory of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and its aftermath keeps pressure on lawmakers to work together.
The Process: What Comes Next
If the request is approved, the federal budget for 2026 would provide an additional 20,000 Special Immigrant Visas. These visas would go to Afghan nationals and their families who meet the criteria. The process would still include strict security screening, and only those who can prove their service to the U.S. mission would qualify for resettlement.
However, even with more visas, challenges remain. The backlog of cases could mean long waits. Many applicants are waiting for security checks, paperwork, or interviews. For those hiding from threats, every day counts.
Impact on Stakeholders
Let’s consider what this could mean for different groups:
Afghan Allies and Their Families:
For those waiting, approval of more visas could mean salvation. It allows them and their loved ones to escape not only Afghanistan, but also difficult and sometimes hostile conditions in other countries.
U.S. Armed Forces Veterans:
Many American soldiers served closely with Afghan interpreters and guides. Some have kept in touch and even advocated for their friends’ resettlement. For these veterans, the approval of more visas honors their own service and keeps their promises.
The United States Government:
If the country is seen as keeping its word, it can help build trust with future international partners. On the other hand, failing to help Afghan allies could harm America’s reputation and limit support for future operations.
Host Countries Like Pakistan:
Countries where Afghan refugees currently live often struggle with their own resources and rules. More visas mean fewer long-term refugees and less pressure on local systems.
Advocacy Groups:
Groups working to support Afghan SIV applicants see this as a chance to push for faster, fairer processing and to highlight the ongoing hardships applicants face daily.
Broader Context: Patterns and Challenges
The SIV program for Afghan allies is just one part of a larger story about immigration and helping those who supported American missions. The U.S. has a history of issuing special visas for those who help its military efforts in war zones, such as in Iraq and Vietnam. However, each time, questions about how many to accept, how fast to process them, and how much help to provide come up.
In recent years, U.S. immigration systems have struggled with slowdowns, confusing paperwork, and shifting policies. These problems hit vulnerable groups, like SIV applicants, especially hard. Backlogs leave many stuck in limbo, waiting for months or even years. Advocates say that without reforms to speed up the process, even more visas could still leave people stuck in danger.
Differing Views and Remaining Controversies
Not everyone in Congress or the wider public agrees on the best solution. Some worry about the security risk of letting in more people, even though all applicants go through tough security checks. Others point to the strain on U.S. resources and question how quickly newcomers can adapt.
But the supporters of more SIVs counter that the promise has already been made, and America must keep its word. Veteran groups speak up on behalf of their former colleagues, and bipartisan support suggests a broad understanding that this is a special case where regular immigration debates do not always apply.
Calls for Continued Action
Whether or not these 20,000 extra visas are approved, the lawmakers’ letter sends a message: the stories of Afghan allies and their families will not be forgotten. It also keeps pressure on the federal government and others involved to make sure the promise of safe resettlement is more than just words.
For readers looking for more about the Special Immigrant Visas process, the U.S. Department of State provides a detailed explanation and up-to-date instructions for Afghan SIV applicants. You can read about the requirements and steps involved by visiting the official SIV information page.
The Road Ahead
Many challenges still lie ahead. Speeding up SIV processing and clearing the backlog will be tough, even with more visas. Coordinating between governments in the United States and countries like Pakistan also matters for safe travel and resettlement. Advocacy remains important, as shown by the work of groups like #AfghanEvac and the lawmakers backing urgent changes.
If approved, the new batch of Special Immigrant Visas could provide lifelines to thousands and bring a bit of hope to those trapped in dangerous situations. As this debate moves forward, one thing is clear: the fate of Afghan allies is now a test of America’s promises and its place as a nation that honors those who stand by its side.
In summary, the call for 20,000 more Special Immigrant Visas shows the ongoing responsibility the United States has toward its Afghan allies. The House Homeland Security Committee now faces an important choice, one that balances policy, safety, and a commitment to past partners. The outcome will not only decide the futures of many families but also shape how America is seen as a partner in conflicts and beyond. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this effort is both urgent and deeply personal for those involved, and the world is watching how Congress responds.
Learn Today
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) → U.S. visas provided to certain foreign nationals, often allies in conflict zones, allowing permanent resettlement and protection.
House Homeland Security Committee → A congressional committee responsible for legislation and oversight of security issues, including immigration and anti-terrorism efforts.
Backlog → A buildup of pending applications or cases, often causing delays in processing for visas or immigration benefits.
Advocacy Groups → Organizations working to promote, support, or lobby for the rights and well-being of a specific group, such as refugees.
Security Screening → A process of background checks to assess if applicants pose security threats before allowing them into the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
More than 100 U.S. Representatives demand 20,000 more Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan allies in the 2026 budget. Facing threats and harsh conditions, many Afghans remain in peril until action is taken. Delays and backlogs persist, while bipartisan support intensifies the urgent push for humanitarian relief.
— By VisaVerge.com
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