The Biden administration has reached a compromise with House Republicans to increase the cap for resettlement visas for Afghans who worked for the United States, as indicated by U.S. legislators earlier this week. The Special Immigration Visas Limit
Initially set at 38,500, the cap for Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) – providing a pathway to U.S. citizenship – was expected to be exhausted by the anniversary of the U.S. military’s withdrawal in August 2021. Agreement Highlights
Representative Michael McCaul, a leading Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, revealed that the agreement will allow for an additional 12,000 visas, falling short of the 20,000 requested by both the Biden administration and Senate Republican lawmakers. Incorporation in Funding Bill
McCaul shared during a hearing that the extra visas will be integrated into the foreign operations funding bill. Advocacy Efforts and Acknowledgment
Democratic Representative Jason Crow, an Army veteran advocating for an increase in the SIV quota, confirmed the 12,000 visa figure in support of Afghan citizens. Despite Visa Demand and Program Deadline
Even with the agreement, the demand for visas among Afghans surpasses the allocated number, and the program is scheduled to expire in 2026. Currently, over 80,000 Afghans are in the visa process, with a quarter already cleared for final interviews. Protection for Afghan Allies
During a hearing, two former top U.S. generals warned about potential reprisals by the Taliban against Afghans who aided the United States following its withdrawal, emphasizing the crucial role of the visa program. “
