US Senator Calls For Lifting Travel Restrictions On Afghan SIV Holders

The letter, sent on Tuesday, March 18, highlights that many of these applicants are now stranded in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, and Albania due to new immigration policies.

“I write with deep concern regarding the Afghanistan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and the fate of the allies who stood shoulder to shoulder with U.S. service members and diplomats throughout two decades of war,” Shaheen wrote.“President Trump's recent executive order has effectively suspended resettlement efforts for these individuals and their families. As a result, many Afghan allies who were scheduled to travel to the U.S. have had their flights canceled and are now stranded with no clear path forward.”

She wrote that 5,752 Special Immigrant Visa applicants are stranded in these countries. Some of these individuals are family members of U.S. soldiers currently serving in the United States Army.

“This order has halted the resettlement of thousands of Afghans who supported the U.S. mission, leaving them at risk,” she wrote.“At least 5,752 individuals awaiting SIV processing or holding visas remain stranded in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, including the families of U.S. military personnel. They are now living without access to basic necessities such as medical care, women's and children's services, mental health counseling, and infant care.”

Shaheen warned that these applicants not only face threats from the Taliban but also lack access to essential services such as healthcare, mental health support, and basic humanitarian aid. Their uncertain status puts them in immediate danger.

She emphasized that abandoning these individuals under the current circumstances would be an outright injustice and a violation of U.S. commitments to its Afghan allies. She urged the U.S. Department of State to take swift action to facilitate their entry into the United States.

Since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover, many Afghans who had worked for the U.S. government have faced direct threats. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called on Washington to expedite the resettlement process, but delays in visa processing continue to create significant challenges.

Shaheen's call comes amid growing concerns about the U.S. immigration policies regarding Afghan refugees. The delay in processing SIV applications has left many individuals in perilous situations, vulnerable to Taliban reprisals and lacking necessary support systems.

Providing safe passage and a clear path to resettlement is essential in upholding the U.S.'s commitment to its Afghan allies and ensuring their safety and future.

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