Additional Visas for Afghan Allies: Streamlining Processing and Protecting the Injured.
This Act increases the number of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) available for Afghans who assisted US forces, adding 20,000 new slots and extending the program until 2029. It mandates a strategy to speed up application processing, allows for reimbursement of medical exam costs, and permits virtual interviews, aiming to facilitate and accelerate the immigration process for at-risk individuals.
Key points
20,000 additional Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) are authorized for Afghans, extending the program until the end of 2029.
The one-year employment requirement is waived for applicants who were wounded or seriously injured while working for the US or ISAF.
Federal agencies must develop a strategy to efficiently process applications and appeals, and designate senior coordinating officials.
Applicants can be reimbursed for mandatory medical examination costs or receive advance payment, and are allowed to conduct interviews virtually.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1786
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Process start date: 2023-06-01