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HOPE for Afghan SIVs Act of 2021
3/8/2023, 7:58 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3385
The bill aims to address the urgent need to protect Afghan allies who have supported US missions in Afghanistan. It seeks to authorize an additional 8,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan nationals who have worked with the US government and face threats to their safety as a result.
The HOPE for Afghan SIVs Act of 2021 also includes provisions to streamline the application process for these visas, ensuring that eligible individuals can receive protection in a timely manner. Additionally, the bill allocates funding to support the resettlement and integration of Afghan SIV recipients in the United States. Overall, this legislation is designed to provide much-needed assistance to Afghan allies who have put themselves at risk to support US efforts in Afghanistan. By expanding the number of available visas and improving the application process, the HOPE for Afghan SIVs Act of 2021 aims to ensure that these individuals can find safety and security in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 3385
Honoring Our Promises through Expedition for Afghan SIVs Act of 2021 or the HOPE for Afghan SIVs Act of 2021
This bill authorizes the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to postpone the medical exam requirement for qualifying citizens or nationals of Afghanistan seeking entry into the United States as special immigrants.
Specifically, this bill applies to an existing program that provides special immigrant status to an individual (or the spouse or child of such an individual) who (1) faithfully performed sensitive and trusted duties for the U.S. government or the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, and (2) has experienced or is experiencing an ongoing serious threat due to the performance of those duties.
Under this bill, the State Department and DHS may jointly issue a blanket waiver of any requirement for such individuals to undergo a medical exam before admission into the United States. DHS shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that individuals admitted under such a waiver undergo medical exams no later than 30 days after admission into the United States.
Such an individual shall be admitted as a conditional permanent resident. DHS shall remove the conditions once the individual receives and passes a medical examination.
