AILA Calls on Congress to Quickly Pass the Afghan Adjustment Act

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomed the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral “Afghan Adjustment Act” which would help Afghans who have fled the Taliban find safety and security in the United States. This bill would keep the promises made to the Afghan nationals who served alongside American troops during the decades-long war.

AILA President Farshad Owji noted, “This bipartisan group of senators and representatives has come together, again, to do what’s right and introduce a bill to protect tens of thousands of individuals who fled Afghanistan after the U.S. departure led to a Taliban takeover. Among others, this population includes those already here on humanitarian parole, those seeking Special Immigrant Visas or who have P1 or P2 referrals for the U.S. Refugee Admissions program, as well as other Afghans who assisted the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and remain in peril in Afghanistan or elsewhere. This legislation would create a more durable immigration status for this vulnerable group, subject to a rigorous security vetting process. Creating a more streamlined process will reduce the significant strain on America’s already overburdened asylum and immigration court systems. We need Congress to act now.”

AILA Executive Director, Ben Johnson, added “As we mark nearly two full years since the fall of Kabul, it is crystal clear that we need Congress to act quickly to do what’s right and protect our allies. Afghans in the United States with humanitarian parole face legal limbo once their parole expires. Passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act is a vital recognition that we owe our Afghan allies for the risks they took on behalf of America’s war effort. Sadly, there are efforts by certain Republicans to undermine this bipartisan, bicameral undertaking that would serve as a poison pill by severely limiting parole authority, which has been a key tool in providing legal pathways for those needing humanitarian relief. Congress must stand against such efforts and stand with our Afghan allies. Our members stand ready to help finish the job, but Congress has a unique role to play in ensuring America’s promises are kept by passing this important legislation.”