As the United States continues its withdrawal from Afghanistan, many Afghans who have worked alongside American forces are left in a state of uncertainty and fear. The recent decision by former President Donald Trump to close the door on Afghan allies seeking refuge in the US has further compounded their already dire situation.
For years, Afghan interpreters, drivers, and other local staff have served as invaluable allies to US troops, risking their lives to support the mission in Afghanistan. These individuals have faced threats and retaliation from the Taliban and other extremist groups for their association with the US, making them targets for violence and persecution.
In response to these dangers, the US government established the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program to provide a pathway to safety and security for Afghan allies and their families. However, the process of obtaining an SIV has been plagued by delays and bureaucratic hurdles, leaving many applicants stranded in limbo as they wait for approval.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Trump signed an executive order in 2020 that effectively halted the processing of SIV applications for Afghan allies. The decision to close this vital pathway to safety has left many Afghan allies feeling abandoned and betrayed by the country they served so faithfully.
In the wake of Trump’s order, many Afghan allies who were in the process of applying for an SIV found themselves stuck in a state of uncertainty, unsure of their future and the safety of their families. Some have been forced to go into hiding or flee their homes in fear of retribution from the Taliban.
The closure of the SIV program for Afghan allies has been met with widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, veterans groups, and lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle. Many have called on the Biden administration to reverse Trump’s order and expedite the processing of SIV applications to ensure the safety of Afghan allies and their families.
As the US withdrawal from Afghanistan continues, it is imperative that the Biden administration take immediate action to protect and support Afghan allies who have risked everything to stand by American forces. The closure of the SIV program is a grave injustice that must be rectified to uphold our moral obligation to those who have served alongside us in the fight against terrorism.