Afghanistan Peace CampaignMeanwhile, several US immigration applicants have expressed concerns about their future.
Shawn VanDiver, the head of AfghanEvac, said that the recent remarks by the US State Department spokesperson regarding the relocation of Afghan allies of American forces are unclear.
He emphasized that the State Department must clarify whether former Afghan allies of the US military are included in the travel ban list, which restricts citizens from Afghanistan and several other countries from entering the United States.
Shawn VanDiver said, “We would really caution against interpreting this as complete truth. We know that there is a list of 41 to 43 countries that are on the list, the nationals of which won’t be allowed to enter the United States, even if they have a valid US visa or a green card, potentially a green card.”
A day earlier, the US State Department spokesperson stated that they had not received any list banning Afghan allies of American forces from traveling to the US.
Meanwhile, a senior member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has written a letter to the US Secretary of State, urging the relocation of Afghans who had worked alongside American forces.
Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, “I respectfully urge you to continue the longstanding support for these individuals and take the necessary steps to lift the restrictions preventing Afghan SIV applicants and holders from traveling to the United States.”
“Their arrival in the United States is not only a matter of moral responsibility but a national security priority that we stand by our commitments during the most challenging of moments,” she continued.
Meanwhile, several US immigration applicants have expressed concerns about their future.
Alireza Karimi, an advocate for immigrant rights, told TOLOnews, “The slow pace of processing these cases not only endangers their lives but also questions the credibility and moral commitments of the US Washington must expedite the relocation process, as prolonging this issue will have severe humanitarian consequences and cause a major diplomatic crisis.”
On Monday, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a press briefing that there is no list banning citizens of certain countries from traveling to the US. She also emphasized that, similar to the previous administration, the Biden administration remains committed to relocating and resettling former Afghan allies of the US military and government.