Biden Struggles with Immigration as Tensions Rise in Afghanistan

Hundreds of families are worried about what to do next now that the U.S. has pulled out of Afghanistan. With such a substantial backlog of immigration applications, you might fear this delay.

Given the urgency of what’s taking place in Afghanistan, particularly near the Embassy in Kabul, we encourage you to reach out to our law offices of immigration in Los Angeles if you need help.

According to the recently held State Department briefing, 76,000 Special Immigrants have helped the government. But only 2,000 have arrived in the U.S. over the years. There are less than 15 days left for the administration to complete the mission.

What Is a Special Immigrant Visa?

Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) allow immigrants to reside and work in the U.S. Eligible Iraqi and Afghan translators or interpreters and those who have helped the U.S. military can apply. Only 50 SIVs get granted annually.

As of last year, qualifications are as follows:

• A national of Afghanistan or Iraq
• Worked for at least 12 months and have a written recommendation from a General or Flag Officer
• You are undergoing constant and severe threats because of your contribution to the U.S.
• Provided service to the U.S. Armed Forces, under Chief of Mission (COM) at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or Embassy in Kabul, and International Security Assistance Force

If eligible, your family might also be granted SIVs and join you in the U.S.

President Biden Calls on the USCIS

Biden’s administration has asked the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to volunteer federal employees for Operation Allies Refuge to help:

• SIV holders
• SIV applicants
• P1/P2 refugees
• Human rights defenders

So far, 1,200 Afghans have been evacuated. Because there are only 19,000 USCIS employees, you might see a significant delay in other aspects of immigration.

We break down what you should know below:

• As the conditions change rapidly, this current operation would help SIV applicants, refugees, and families immigrate quickly.
• In a CNN report, press secretary John Kirby stated the Department of Defense would bring up to 30,000 Afghan SIV applicants to America.
• The administration is working on several government-sponsored evacuation flights – so far, they have prioritized the evacuation of American personnel.
• Right now, 80,000 Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders need immediate help alongside thousands of others remaining across Afghanistan.
• Those who are unable to come to the U.S. will receive help relocating to other countries.
• According to CNN, the U.S. can only move “5,000 people per day out of Hamid Karzai International Airport.”

Given the urgency, our attorney for qualifying green card and SIV applicants is available to answer any questions you might have about the visa process. Give us a call at 323-622-1764 or email info@greylaw.com.