US Court Orders Resumption of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Processing

A US federal judge ordered the Trump administration to resume processing Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIV), offering renewed hope to thousands awaiting relocation.

A federal court in Washington ordered the US administration to immediately restart processing Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications filed by Afghan refugees awaiting relocation.

Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that an indefinite suspension of SIV processing violates congressional directives and earlier court rulings requiring timely consideration of applications.

The court instructed authorities to process visa cases under a clear schedule, despite broader travel restrictions on Afghan nationals remaining in effect.

Legal representatives said the ruling supports Afghans who worked alongside US forces and whose immigration cases have remained stalled far beyond legal deadlines.

The court also scheduled a February 24 hearing, requiring the administration to explain how it will ensure compliance with orders to accelerate visa processing.

Following the 2021 political transition in Afghanistan, tens of thousands of Afghans fled to neighboring countries while awaiting relocation through US resettlement programs.

Many applicants report waiting years for decisions, often facing uncertain legal status, financial hardship, and security risks while living in temporary conditions abroad.

The court decision is seen as a significant development for families fearing threats due to their previous cooperation with US institutions and military missions.

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