Hundreds of Afghan refugees facing extreme delays in the approval of U.S. visas protested in Pakistan's capital on Sunday, as an American program to help relocate at-risk Afghans fleeing Taliban rule stalls.
Afghan refugees hold placards during a protest in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. Hundreds of Afghan refugees facing extreme delays in the approval of U.S. visas are protesting in Pakistan’s capital, as an American program to help relocate at-risk Afghans fleeing Taliban rule stalls. The U.S. government’s Priority 1 and Priority 2, known as P1 and P2 refugee programs were meant to fast track visas for at-risk Afghans including those who worked with U.S. organizations.
ISLAMABAD — Hundreds of Afghan refugees facing extreme delays in the approval of U.S. visas protested in Pakistan’s capital on Sunday, as an American program to help relocate at-risk Afghans fleeing Taliban rule stalls. The U.S. government’s Priority 1 and Priority 2, known as P1 and P2 refugee programs were meant to fast track visas for at-risk Afghans including journalists and rights activists after the Taliban takeover in their homeland. Those eligible must have worked for the U.S. government, a U.S.-based media organization or nongovernmental organization in Afghanistan, and must be referred by the U.S.-based employer.
Applicants have been waiting in Pakistan for more than one and a half years for U.S. officials to process their visa applications. The delay in approving visas and resettlement has left Afghan applicants in a highly vulnerable position as they contend with economic hardship and lack of access to health, education and other services in Pakistan.
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.
Tucson Navy Week continues through Sunday, Feb. 26Tucson's third Navy Week coincides with La Fiesta de los Vaqueros—a week when local K-12 students have some days off and many already have plans to get out and about.
Read more »
Man convicted in San Francisco killing of Afghan refugeeA 39-year-old man has been convicted of first-degree murder for shooting and killing an Afghan refugee during a robbery in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood in 2021, prosecutors announced Friday.
Read more »
Man convicted of killing Afghan refugee working as Uber / Lyft driver in San FranciscoA jury in San Francisco convicted a man of first-degree murder in the 2021 killing of an Afghan refugee who was working as a driver for Uber and Lyft.
Read more »
Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell doubtful to play Sunday in DallasThe Lakers’ latest starting lineup – meant to take them through the rest of the regular season and possibly beyond – might be on hold because of the guard’s sprained ankle.
Read more »
VA hired hundreds of employees with drug-related criminal history, putting veterans at risk: watchdogA report from a federal watchdog says the Department of Veterans Affairs has failed for years to review job applicants, and has hired hundreds with criminal drug convictions.
Read more »
Lakers' D'Angelo Russell doubtful to play Sunday in DallasLakers coach Darvin Ham said he doubts point guard D'Angelo Russell will be able to play Sunday against the Mavericks because of a sprained right ankle.
Read more »