The Department of Homeland Security and Department of State have created three new exemptions allowing eligible individuals to receive asylum, refugee status, or other legal immigration status. There are certain exceptions for Afghans that permit them to qualify for protection in the United States. Fortunately, Biden has eased some restrictions for these Afghan evacuees, guaranteeing their safety in the United States, as they pose no security or public safety risk.
The three exemptions include:
- Afghans who supported United States military interests including those who fought in the resistance movement against the Taliban. Also, Afghans who supported and participated in the resistance movement to the Soviet invasion and occupation of Afghanistan between December 24, 1979, and April 28, 1992, also qualify.
- Afghans employed as civil servants in Afghanistan from September 27, 1996, to December 22, 2001, or after August 15, 2021. For example, teachers, doctors, and engineers, along with many other fields, are included. Anyone who assisted Taliban activities or worked with an allegiance to the Taliban are not included in this exemption.
- Afghans who were made to pay service fees to Taliban to do things like pass through a checkpoint or obtain a passport or other identity documents necessary.
These exemptions do not include individuals who committed human rights violations, directly assisted violent Taliban activities, or supported the goals or ideology of the Taliban.
