More than 840,000 Afghans and their families who applied for a resettlement program aimed at people who helped the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan are still there waiting
. Both programs have been plagued by criticism that cases move much too slowly, leaving applicants in dangerous limbo.And since the U.S. left Afghanistan the number of people applying for the visas has skyrocketed. According to the report, there were a little less than 30,000 applicants in October 2021, but by December 2022 that number had grown to roughly 155,000. Those figures do not include family members who are allowed to resettle with them if their application is approved.
The State Department estimates that as of April of this year more than 840,000 applicants for the special visa program and their family members remain in Afghanistan, the report said. Not everyone who applies is accepted; the State Department noted that about 50% of applicants do not qualify when their applications are reviewed at a key stage early in the process.
The department also said since the start of the Biden administration in January 2021 through Aug. 1 of this year it’s issued nearly 34,000 visas for the applicants and their family members, which it said was a substantial increase from previous years. The report said the department has hired more staff to process applications, coordinated with the Pentagon to verify applicants’ employment, and eliminated some of the steps required of applicants. But, the report said, there was more it could do. For example, the report noted that a key position overseeing the special immigrant visa process has seen frequent turnover and vacancies.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
On pullout anniversary, Biden seeks to pass law on US residency for AfghansPresident's plea came on the second anniversary of US withdrawal from Afghanistan, following which a large number of Afghans sought refuge in the US.
Read more »
Afghans in US struggle with uncertainty while congressional reforms stallFarzana Jamalzada fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, fearful that her work with the U.S. government would put her in danger. She found refuge in the U.S. and moved to New York City where she secured a job with a charity organization that helped pay for rent and other necessities.
Read more »
2 years later, a look back at the US withdrawal from AfghanistanScripps News spoke with former U.S. Central Command head General Frank McKenzie for his thoughts two years after the U.S. left Afghanistan.
Read more »
‘Hollywoodgate’ Clip: Watch Taliban Explore Abandoned U.S. Base In Afghanistan; Doc Plays At Venice & TellurideEXCLUSIVE: The ascent to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2021 sent shock waves across the country and the world. More than 1.6 million people are repo…
Read more »
Biden still quiet on Afghanistan withdrawal as August comes to a closePresident Joe Biden isn't speaking much about a major anniversary this week, even if his Republican friends are.
Read more »