Improving Access for Afghan Refugees Act

Improving Access for Afghan Refugees Act

This bill requires the Department of State to provide priority refugee status to eligible habitual residents of Afghanistan.

To be eligible for such priority status, a habitual resident of Afghanistan must also be a national of Afghanistan or stateless. Such an individual shall receive priority refugee status if the individual (1) has suffered persecution or has a well-founded fear of persecution and worked in a specified field that makes the individual a target of persecution on account of race, religion, or other characteristics; (2) was employed for at least one year in Afghanistan by U.S.-based media or nongovernmental entities or an entity that received a contract or grant from the U.S. government; or (3) is the beneficiary of a visa petition sponsored by a relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

The State Department may also provide priority status to other groups of individuals who are nationals and residents of Afghanistan.

Certain annual numerical limits on refugee admissions shall not apply to individuals who receive priority status under this bill.

For refugee applications under this bill, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security shall ensure that all steps in the approval process in the U.S. government's control are completed within six months of an application's submission, with exceptions for cases that need more time to address national security concerns.

Bill 117 hr 4736, also known as the Improving Access for Afghan Refugees Act, aims to address the urgent need to provide assistance and support to Afghan refugees who have been forced to flee their country due to political instability and violence. The bill seeks to improve access to humanitarian aid, resettlement services, and other forms of assistance for Afghan refugees who have been resettled in the United States.

Specifically, the bill calls for the establishment of a task force to coordinate efforts to assist Afghan refugees, including providing access to housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. The task force will also work to ensure that Afghan refugees are able to access the necessary resources and support to successfully integrate into American society.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to expedite the processing of visas for Afghan refugees who have worked with the US government or military, as well as their family members. This is intended to ensure that those who have risked their lives to support US efforts in Afghanistan are able to safely resettle in the United States. Overall, the Improving Access for Afghan Refugees Act seeks to provide much-needed support and assistance to Afghan refugees who have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety in the United States. By improving access to essential services and resources, the bill aims to help Afghan refugees rebuild their lives and successfully integrate into American society.