In the ongoing Senate discussions regarding a national security supplemental funding bill, advocates are urging lawmakers to adopt an amendment facilitating permanent legal residency for Afghans evacuated during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The proposed amendment, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Jerry Moran, aims to provide certainty to Afghan allies by enabling them to apply for permanent residency in the United States following thorough vetting. It is modeled after the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act, reintroduced last year, and has garnered support from senators across party lines.
Senator Klobuchar highlighted the significant contributions of approximately 80,000 Afghan refugees residing in the US, emphasizing their roles as interpreters and intelligence gatherers who risked their lives in service. She stressed the necessity of offering protection to those who stood by American troops.
Shawn VanDiver, the founder of #AfghanEvac, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the obligation to Afghan allies, asserting that it transcends political affiliations and is a fundamental American responsibility. VanDiver emphasized the precedent set by the US handling of its Afghan allies in future conflicts.
While the amendment’s fate in the supplemental bill remains uncertain, advocates underscore its critical importance for Afghan evacuees stranded in uncertainty since their chaotic arrival in the US post-withdrawal.
Despite bipartisan backing, Senator Tom Cotton is expected to object to the amendment, citing concerns over parole reform, protection for certain Afghan groups, and family migration. However, Senator Moran, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, emphasized the necessity of granting stability to Afghan refugees and honoring US commitments to allies.
Patrick Murray of the Veterans of Foreign Wars echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Afghan allies who supported US troops.
