Blinken assures continued resettlement of Afghan allies in the US
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to resettling Afghan citizens who supported American forces over the past two decades. He emphasized this obligation to the country’s allies and partners in a message shared on Tuesday, January 7, via X/Twitter.
Blinken announced the extension of a partnership agreement with Afghanevac, a key organization aiding Afghan resettlement in the United States. He described the resettlement process as a “vital partnership” and reaffirmed the country’s resolve to continue supporting those who stood alongside U.S. forces during critical years.
The resettlement process intensified following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, prompting thousands of eligible Afghan citizens to seek Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and relocate to various countries, including Pakistan, Qatar, and the Philippines.
Recently, under a joint agreement, U.S. and Philippine officials confirmed the temporary relocation of 300 Afghan citizens to the Philippines, where they await final processing for resettlement in the United States.
However, some SIV applicants and those under the U.S. Priority-1 and Priority-2 refugee programs have raised concerns about delays in processing their asylum cases, expressing frustration over the prolonged wait times.
According to official U.S. government statistics, approximately 26,500 SIVs were issued to Afghan citizens in 2023, reflecting a 140% increase compared to the previous year. This highlights an intensified effort to meet the growing demand for resettlement assistance.
By mid-2024, 9,314 SIV applications had been processed, while the U.S. Department of State reported that an additional 19,045 applications were still pending as of March.
The ongoing resettlement efforts underscore the United States’ acknowledgment of its responsibility to Afghan allies. Despite progress, the backlog of applications and delays highlight the need for streamlined processes to ensure timely resettlement and support for those who risked their lives to stand with U.S. forces.
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