U.S. expands refugee program for Afghans threatened by Taliban

The Biden administration is expanding a program to take in Afghans who face threats from the Taliban for having worked with the U.S. since the 2001 invasion, announcing a plan to make it easier for people employed by American media and aid groups to apply for refugee status.

Citing a rise in violence by the Taliban as American forces leave the country, the State Department said Monday that the U.S. will offer so-called Priority 2 status to a new category of Afghan citizens: current and former employees of American media outlets as well as for U.S.-funded projects and nongovernmental organizations. Those who worked for the U.S. for short periods can also apply.

Previously, the administration had planned to offer refugee status to Afghans who had worked directly for the U.S. government — mostly for the military and for a certain length of time — under what’s known as the Special Immigrant Visa program. Their families are also eligible. But that didn’t address the many thousands of Afghans who face similar danger from the Taliban for their affiliation with other U.S. entities.

“The U.S. objective remains a peaceful, secure Afghanistan,” the State Department said in a statement. “However, in light of increased levels of Taliban violence, the U.S. government is working to provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the United States, the opportunity for refugee resettlement to the United States.”

It said the “designation expands the opportunity to permanently resettle in the United States to many thousands of Afghans and their immediate family members who may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation.”

Members of Congress have pressed for faster and expanded action to protect those at risk, and lawmakers last week cleared legislation with funding for that purpose.

“As we bring our troops home, it’s important not only to ensure the safety of Afghans who offered important assistance to our military but also to protect a broader set of Afghans who have helped further our goal of building democratic values in Afghanistan,” Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said in a statement Monday.