The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan and bicameral “Afghan Adjustment Act,” aimed at providing safety and security in the United States for Afghan nationals who fled the Taliban after the U.S. departure.
AILA President Farshad Owji emphasizes the importance of keeping promises made to Afghan nationals who served alongside American troops during the lengthy war. The bill addresses the needs of individuals on humanitarian parole, those seeking Special Immigrant Visas, and those with P1 or P2 referrals for the U.S. Refugee Admissions program, as well as other Afghans who aided the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and face danger in Afghanistan or elsewhere.
The legislation aims to establish a more durable immigration status for this vulnerable group through a rigorous security vetting process, easing the burden on America’s asylum and immigration court systems. AILA urges Congress to act promptly to ensure the safety and protection of our Afghan allies.
AILA Executive Director, Ben Johnson, highlights the urgency of the situation, as many Afghans in the U.S. on humanitarian parole face uncertainty once their parole expires. The Afghan Adjustment Act recognizes the risks taken by Afghan allies on behalf of America’s war effort and seeks to provide them with legal pathways for humanitarian relief.
AILA members are ready to support the legislative process, and it is crucial for Congress to stand with our Afghan allies by passing this important bill, despite attempts to limit parole authority. The bipartisan effort is a vital step in fulfilling America’s promises to those who risked their lives to support the nation’s mission in Afghanistan.
