Abandoned Afghan allies face obstacles to getting visas

The war in Ukraine has been a terrible crisis that has displaced countless families, leading the United States government to proactively set aside 10,000 refugee visas for Ukrainians seeking humanitarian status in America and already evacuate approximately 6,500 to safety. Unfortunately, the dedication to the Afghans who risked their lives to support United States military operations has not been as profound. According to a recent estimate, more than 78,000 Afghans have applied for special immigrant visas with a meager 3% having been evacuated.

Undoubtedly, Afghans are one of the most disenfranchised immigrant groups in recent memory.

Four continuous decades of war diminished the prospect of a promising future for successive generations of Afghans. This plight continues for our now-abandoned Afghan allies who remain in the Taliban-ruled nation. Afghans who served alongside our military during the War on Terror continue to face desperate and life-threatening situations daily.

In 2009, the United States government introduced the Special Immigration Visa program to aid Afghans who assisted with military operations in the region. While the program’s intent is noble, it endorses several systemic issues rendering it practically useless. For instance, applicants must provide proof of previous employment with the American government or an authorized contractor.

While this may seem reasonable, it’s an almost impossible hurdle to safety for those living in a war-torn country. For many Afghans, there is no question about the existence of such documents but obtaining them is the greater challenge.

Along with their application, Afghans who may have worked for a contractor must submit a verification letter from the company’s human resources department. Many contractors merged with larger organizations, while others ceased operations in Afghanistan altogether. Those with limited resources cannot access this information and have encountered needless roadblocks. No reasonable alternative has been provided for applicants, such as sworn testimony or an affidavit from any civil or military authority verifying their employment. With the return of Taliban rule, many individuals are still waiting for a status upgrade on their SIV application. So, through no fault of their own, those brave enough to assist our nation in these operations must live under constant risk of life while under terrorist governance.

Contrarily, after visa processing was suspended in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, the State Department simplified the immigration process for Ukrainian evacuees. Actions included changing the temporary visa process so applications can now be submitted at any American consulate. To speed up processing, the State Department designated the consulate office in Frankfurt, Germany, as the hub for Ukrainian visa applications. The United States has also rapidly expanded a humanitarian program that gives legal cover to refugees, called Temporary Protected Status, for an estimated 75,000 Ukrainians.

President Biden recently termed Ukrainian refugees as “an international responsibility” and ensured that relief efforts remain unwavering. The generous support and commitment to the Ukrainian crisis has been inspirational. However, it appears that we have abandoned our promises to our Afghanistan allies, whom we owe for their unfettered commitment to our nation’s safety and security.

Nonprofit organizations such as No One Left Behind have continued to bring awareness to the plight of our Afghan allies and provide steadfast assistance. NOLB remains focused on supporting former interpreters and U.S. government employees eligible for the Iraqi and Afghan SIV programs through advocacy and action.

We must not abandon our commitment to our Afghan allies. Those who remain caught in this perilous Catch-22 must be heard and afforded the same policy fixes as our European friends. The shadow of fear and insecurity in Kyiv is no different from the one that has permeated Kabul and haunted our Afghan allies, who have been left behind.

Howard L. Manuel is on the board of directors for No One Left Behind, a nonprofit that promotes Special Immigrant Visas for interpreters and translators who worked with U.S. and NATO troops during Afghanistan and Iraq military operations.