Abandoned Allies: Afghan Helpers Struggle with US Travel Ban

The United States has a history of supporting allies in times of war. But now, some Afghans who aided the U. S. feel left in the cold. A recent travel ban has added to their worries. This ban stops people from Afghanistan and 11 other countries from entering the U. S. This has left many Afghans feeling confused and betrayed. There are many ways for Afghans to come to the U. S. But all of them have been made harder during the current administration. Thousands of Afghans are stuck in limbo. They can't get visas because services and offices that help them apply have been cut. Those who qualify for refugee status are also affected. The U. S. has almost stopped resettling refugees. Others living in the U. S. under Temporary Protected Status may have to leave. The administration has ended this program. The travel ban does have an exception. It allows people with Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, or SIVs, to enter the U. S. These visas are for those who worked for or with the U. S. for at least a year during the war in Afghanistan. But many who helped the U. S. don't qualify for these visas. They may not meet the one-year requirement. Or they may not fit the definition of having worked directly for the U. S. They and their family members are still at risk.

Advocates welcome the SIV exception. But they say it doesn't do much good. The administration has cut other programs that support these visa holders. For example, they are shutting down the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts by July 1. This office helps Afghans with SIVs get to a third country to finish their immigration processing. The U. S. doesn't have a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. So, applicants must complete their visa interviews in another country. The administration is also ending Enduring Welcome. This program helps Afghan SIV recipients and applicants get to a third country to finish immigration processing. Without these programs, the SIV exception doesn't do much good. Afghans with SIVs still have family members and friends in Afghanistan or third countries. They are confused and scared about what the travel ban means for their loved ones. Many Afghans have had to flee the Taliban and leave family members behind. It's important that they can reunite with their families. But the travel ban and other policy changes make this harder.

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