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Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act
12/7/2023, 5:06 PM
Summary of Bill S 2324
The bill seeks to address the urgent need to protect and support Afghan nationals who have served as interpreters, translators, and in other roles that have put them at risk due to their association with the US military. These individuals often face threats to their safety and security from the Taliban and other extremist groups in Afghanistan.
The Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act proposes to streamline and expedite the process for these Afghan allies to apply for and receive Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) to come to the United States. This would allow them to escape the dangers they face in Afghanistan and start a new life in safety. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase the number of available SIVs for Afghan allies, as well as to provide additional resources and support for the resettlement and integration of these individuals once they arrive in the US. This includes access to housing, healthcare, and other essential services to help them successfully transition to life in America. Overall, the Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act aims to honor the service and sacrifice of Afghan allies who have supported US forces in Afghanistan, while also upholding America's commitment to protecting those who have put themselves at risk to assist the United States in its mission overseas.
Congressional Summary of S 2324
Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act
This bill provides conditional permanent resident status to certain individuals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and addresses related issues. (A conditional permanent resident becomes a lawful permanent resident, also known as a green card holder, if the conditions are removed.)
Generally, to be eligible for a conditional green card under this bill, an Afghan national must be (1) lawfully admitted into the United States on or before this bill's enactment, or (2) paroled into the United States between July 30, 2021, and this bill's enactment.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must remove the conditions if, by a certain date, DHS determines that the individual (1) is not inadmissible under any statutory grounds, and (2) does not pose a national security concern. DHS may waive certain grounds of inadmissibility for humanitarian purposes or family unity.
The bill also designates certain Afghan nationals who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan as priority refugees of special humanitarian concern, including an individual who (1) served in certain branches of the Afghan armed forces, or (2) was a female member of certain entities in the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces. The Department of Defense must establish a process to review requests for such a designation.
The bill also authorizes a special immigrant visa for an Afghan national who is the parent or sibling of a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. (Special immigrant visa holders qualify for a green card after meeting certain criteria.)
