The Biden administration is expanding efforts to help Afghan citizens flee the Taliban as the American pullout looms. But there's a caveat: Those seeking refugee status must leave Afghanistan for a third country and the process could take 12-14 months.
The State Department said it is widening the scope of Afghans eligible for refugee status in United States to include current and former employees of U.S.-based news organizations, U.S.-based aid and development agencies and other relief groups that receive U.S. funding. Current and former employees of the U.S. government and the NATO military operation who don’t meet the criteria for a dedicated program for such workers are also covered.
Relief agencies said Monday’s gesture was insufficient, pointing out significant, and in some cases insurmountable, hurdles that successful applicants would face. InterAction, an umbrella organization for scores of international relief and development groups, was highly critical. “The U.S. objective remains a peaceful, secure Afghanistan,” the department said in a statement. “However, in light of increased levels of Taliban violence, the U.S. government is working to provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the United States, the opportunity for refugee resettlement to the United States.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden administration expands Afghan refugee program as Taliban violence spikesThe Biden administration broadens efforts to evacuate at-risk Afghan citizens from that country as Taliban violence grows and U.S. troops withdraw.
Read more »
Afghan forces battle to defend major cities from Taliban offensiveHeavy fighting continues in at least three provincial capitals, with government forces beating back fresh attacks to keep Helmand’s Lashkar Gah from falling to the insurgent group.
Read more »
US, UK accuse Afghan Taliban of 'war crimes' in Spin Boldak town'If you cannot control your fighters now, you have no business in governance later.' US, UK embassies in Kabul accuse Taliban of killing dozens of civilians in Spin Boldak in southern Afghanistan, a charge Taliban rejects as 'baseless reports'
Read more »
Afghan forces battle Taliban for control of southern cityTaliban fighters pushed deeper into the southern Afghan provincial capital of Lashkargahon Monday and closed in on government buildings, a senior official said, as the insurgents pressed a rapid advance.
Read more »
Government forces combat Taliban incursions on key Afghan citiesFlights from Kandahar airport were cancelled when rockets hit the runway, an official said, as the Taliban pressed on with their sweeping offensive across the country.
Read more »
Biden administration expands eligibility for Afghan refugee programmeUS State Department says it is widening the scope of at-risk Afghans eligible for refugee status to include current and former employees of US-based news organisations, aid and development agencies.
Read more »