FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2022
Contact: Tim Young | tyoung@lirs.org | 443-257-6310
WASHINGTON D.C. – Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the launch of Operation Allies Welcome, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have now introduced the Afghan Adjustment Act.
More than 70,000 Afghans were admitted to the U.S. on “humanitarian parole” following the military withdrawal from Afghanistan, which grants permission to enter the U.S. temporarily, but does not confer a pathway to lawful permanent residence. The Afghan Adjustment Act would allow eligible Afghans to apply for lawful permanent residence after one year or two years of U.S. physical presence, respectively, and after clearing additional background checks.
The legislation was introduced in the Senate by both Democrats and Republicans, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The bill was also introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI-3), Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-6), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY-10), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-2), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19), Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI-6), and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA-52).
The following is a statement by Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service – a national refugee resettlement agency that has welcomed more than 13,500 Afghans since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan:
“We are deeply grateful to Congressional leaders for recognizing the urgency and moral imperative to keep our promise to our Afghan allies. This vital legislation addresses the legal limbo that tens of thousands of evacuees still face, and offers them the stability and peace of mind they need to thrive in their new communities.
The bill transcends party lines, reflecting the broad support and zealous advocacy of veterans, refugee advocates, faith leaders, and ordinary Americans across the country and the political spectrum. We urge elected officials to swiftly pass this critical legislation and do right by those who risked everything to support the American mission in Afghanistan. This is how we stand by those who stood by us. Congress has passed similar legislation for every other modern wartime evacuee population, and we simply cannot finish the mission without enshrining these protections into law.”
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Hello everyone.
Thank you for your efforts. Please pay attention that Afghan Adjustment Act be approved.
Regards
good news
We know a number of the Afghans who have come to the US. The ones we know had a lot of training here in the US over the years and have already proven themselves to be safe and good additions to this country. Receiving their permanent residency would open better jobs for them so that they can properly support their families and build a new life here. May the Congress act quickly to help normalize the lives of these people who have lost everything and are not only trying to take care of families here but also feed families left behind by being able to work in jobs that facilitate this.
The United States has a moral obligation to bring to safety not only people who worked directly with US forces but also those who participated in the many Democracy building programs as students. I know individuals in this category who have been threatened with death just because they supported the changes in Afghan society, particularly pertaining to the status of women.
Thank you so much
No one left behind, approve AFG Adjustment ACT!!!
Hello
By approving An Afghan Adjustment Act America is gonna fulfill the promise to stand with allies who stood with US forces in hard time.
Thanks U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for introducing An Afghan Adjustment Act.
PLease approve AAA!!!!!!
We need for it.
I ask all members of Congress to please pass this bill!!!
The Afghanistan refugees who assisted the US are due the right to become citizens quickly without a lot red tape. Please pass this bill!
PLEASE APPROVE THE AAA!!!!!!
Please approve the AAA!