(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/21/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today welcomed U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) floor speeches calling for the inclusion of the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act (S.2327/H.R.4627) as an amendment (S.Amdt.675) to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024.
CAIR is a supporter of the Afghan Adjustment Act and urges all members of the U.S. Senate to support and vote “YES” on its inclusion into the NDAA.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a yearly bill that authorizes funding for the United States Department of Defense (DoD). It also sets policy for the DoD and establishes priorities for the military. The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress passes each year.
The Afghan Adjustment Act was re-introduced in both chambers of Congress last week by Senators Klobuchar and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). The Afghan Adjustment Act would provide a pathway to citizenship for the more than 95,000 Afghans that have come to the United States following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
WATCH: Senators Klobuchar & Blumenthal Propose Adding Afghan Adjustment to 2024 NDAA | C-SPAN.org
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw said:
“CAIR calls on the U.S. Senate to incorporate the Afghan Adjustment Act into the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. There is a pressing need for our government to address the hardships confronting Afghans granted temporary humanitarian status, including extensive delays and backlogs in the asylum system and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process. Providing them with the chance to seek permanent legal residency will bring certainty and assistance in their journey to rebuild their lives within the United States and live the American dream.
“We thank Senators Klobuchar and Blumenthal for their ongoing efforts in advocating for the adoption of the Afghan Adjustment Act.”
Specifically, the Afghan Adjustment Act would:
- Allow Afghans on humanitarian status to apply for permanent legal status if they submit to additional vetting, including an in-person interview. Currently, Afghans on humanitarian status can only gain permanent legal status through the asylum system or the SIV process, both of which are lengthy and complex. This proposal would allow Afghans on humanitarian status to apply for permanent legal status through a more streamlined process, provided they undergo additional vetting.
- Expand the SIV program to include previously omitted groups, such as the Female Tactical Teams of Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command, the Afghan Air Force, and the Special Mission Wing of Afghanistan. The SIV program was created to help Afghans who worked with the United States government during the war in Afghanistan. However, the program currently excludes some groups of Afghans who were also at risk of persecution by the Taliban. This proposal would expand the SIV program to include these groups, ensuring that all Afghans who helped the United States are eligible for protection.
- Establish a task force to develop and implement a strategy for supporting Afghans outside of the United States who are eligible for SIV status. The SIV process can be difficult for Afghans who are outside of the United States. This proposal would establish a task force to develop and implement a strategy for supporting these Afghans, such as providing them with financial assistance and help with travel arrangements.
- Require the Department of State to respond to congressional inquiries about SIV applications. The Department of State has been criticized for its slow processing of SIV applications. This proposal would require the Department of State to respond to congressional inquiries about SIV applications, ensuring that Congress is kept informed of the progress of the program.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected] CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]