Two years after fall of Kabul, tens of thousands of Afghans languish in limbo waiting for US visas

114

Two years after the fall of Kabul, a significant number of Afghan citizens find themselves in a state of uncertainty, awaiting US visas. When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, Shukria Sediqi, a journalist advocating for women’s rights, knew her safety was in jeopardy due to her work. Fleeing with her family, they aimed to resettle in the US through a program designed to aid Afghans at risk due to their involvement with the US government, media, or aid agencies.

However, the process of obtaining US visas has progressed agonizingly slowly, leaving Sediqi and many others stranded. Despite recent developments, only a small fraction of Afghan applicants have been resettled. Living in a state of limbo, many have depleted their savings while they wait in exile. The promise made by the US appears to be forgotten, leading to apprehension about the future.

For two decades, Afghans played vital roles in supporting the US government and military efforts in Afghanistan. The US had a special immigrant visa program since 2009 to assist those directly engaged with the government and military. As the US was withdrawing, new refugee programs were established by the Biden administration, broadening the scope of eligible Afghans, including aid workers and journalists, who promoted values like democracy and independent media.

Yet, the visa application process has been marred by bureaucratic issues and understaffing. Afghans’ concerns are compounded by challenges such as destroyed documents during the Taliban takeover, which are now necessary to substantiate their cases. The resettlement efforts have faced criticism for their lack of transparency and sluggishness.

Despite a massive airlift evacuating numerous Afghans, thousands remain in a state of waiting. Around 150,000 applicants seek special immigrant visas, and an additional 27,400 are in line for the newly created refugee programs. However, the rate of processing these applications remains slow. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction highlighted bureaucratic dysfunction and understaffing, putting Afghan allies at risk.

While efforts to process Afghan refugee visas are ongoing, progress is being made, and refugee admission caps have been raised. Nonetheless, the lingering challenges have led to frustration and fear among Afghan applicants who are still grappling with an uncertain future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Visa Processing

More about Visa Processing

• Tens of thousands of Afghans languish in limbo waiting for US visas
• US Special Immigrant Visa Program
• Biden administration expands refugee programs for Afghans
• Challenges in Afghan refugee processing
• Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction report