U.S. lawmakers are pushing Congress to approve 20,000 additional Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan allies at risk.

Representative Jason Crow (D-CO) has called on Congress to allocate 20,000 additional Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan nationals who assisted U.S. forces during the Afghanistan conflict. Crow emphasized the moral obligation to protect these individuals, many of whom face retribution from the Taliban due to their collaboration.

The proposal has garnered bipartisan backing, with over 100 members of the House of Representatives endorsing the request. The lawmakers argue that extending the SIV program is both a security imperative and a moral duty, ensuring that Afghan allies are not left vulnerable to extremist groups.

Despite the urgency, the SIV application process remains complex and time-consuming. Applicants must undergo rigorous security screenings, biometric data collection, and multiple interviews, leading to delays that leave many in precarious situations in Afghanistan or neighboring countries.

In March 2024, Congress authorized an additional 12,000 SIVs for Afghan allies, raising the program’s cap to 38,500 visas. However, this increase falls short of the 20,000 visas requested by lawmakers, leaving many applicants still awaiting processing.

Advocacy groups and veterans continue to press for legislative action to protect Afghan allies. The Afghan Allies Protection Act, introduced in 2023, seeks to extend the SIV program through 2029 and increase the number of available visas, addressing systemic issues and expediting the application process.

The call for an additional 20,000 SIVs underscores the United States’ commitment to honoring its promises to Afghan partners who risked their lives to support American efforts. As the situation in Afghanistan remains volatile, timely legislative action is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of these individuals.

It is imperative that Congress acts swiftly to pass the necessary legislation, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to those who stood by the United States during its mission in Afghanistan. Failure to do so would not only jeopardize the lives of Afghan allies but also tarnish the credibility of American promises abroad.

AfghanEvac condemned the U.S. decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Afghans, calling it a betrayal of American promises.

In an official statement, VanDiver said, “This decision is not rooted in reality, but in politics. Afghanistan remains under Taliban control, with no functioning asylum system. Assassinations, arbitrary arrests, and widespread human rights abuses—especially against women and ethnic minorities—persist.”

He warned that the decision would not enhance U.S. security, but would instead tear families apart, destabilize lives, and erode America’s remaining moral credibility on the global stage.

VanDiver emphasized that AfghanEvac and many other advocacy groups are prepared to fight the decision through legal action, lobbying in Congress, and mobilizing public opinion. “We will do everything in our power to oppose this,” he stated.

Secretary Noem claimed the decision was made due to “improved security conditions” in Afghanistan. She also referenced ongoing investigations into alleged fraud and national security concerns involving some TPS holders.

The TPS designation was originally introduced under President Joe Biden’s administration as a humanitarian safeguard for Afghans fleeing political and security turmoil after the U.S. withdrawal.

Critics argue that conditions in Afghanistan remain unsafe, with the Taliban suppressing dissent, restricting women’s rights, and engaging in systematic persecution. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have documented ongoing abuses.

A Global Fund delegation visited Afghanistan for the first time since 2018, reaffirming commitment to fight AIDS, TB, and malaria.

In a statement released on Monday, May 12, UNAMA highlighted that the delegation reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting programs combating HIV/AIDS and malaria in Afghanistan. The Global Fund delegation also conducted a visit to medical supply warehouses to assess logistical and operational capacity.

The delegation praised the efforts and achievements of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in delivering essential health services under challenging conditions. They noted the importance of continued international cooperation in combating communicable diseases amid Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare landscape.

Despite political and humanitarian challenges, the Global Fund remains one of the largest contributors to disease-specific aid in Afghanistan. It has invested over $500 million in health programs in the country since 2003, according to Global Fund records.

Health experts stress that sustained international support is crucial to preventing a resurgence of deadly diseases. Without continued funding, efforts to control malaria, TB, and HIV could be severely disrupted, putting millions at risk.

UNAMA has called on international partners to maintain and expand their support for Afghanistan’s health system, emphasizing that protecting public health is a shared global responsibility that transcends political change.

OCHA warns that a severe funding shortfall threatens humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, leaving millions without essential support and relief services.

In a statement released on Tuesday, May 13, via its official X account, OCHA stated that $1.62 billion is required to meet the basic needs of 12.5 million people across Afghanistan. These individuals will be the primary recipients of humanitarian assistance in 2024.

Given the limited financial resources, OCHA has selected only 145 out of 401 vulnerable districts in Afghanistan as high-priority zones for aid delivery. This decision is part of the UN’s broader effort to manage scarce resources more effectively and focus on the most at-risk communities.

OCHA also noted that there remains uncertainty about the availability of necessary funding for Afghanistan’s humanitarian operations in 2025. This funding gap threatens to deepen the crisis if not addressed through international donor support.

Experts warn that without sufficient international attention and aid, the humanitarian situation could deteriorate rapidly, particularly in underserved regions. The reduction in funding comes at a time when global crises are competing for donor attention, further complicating relief efforts in Afghanistan.

The United Nations has called on the global community to renew its commitment to Afghanistan, stressing that early intervention and sustained support are essential to prevent further human suffering and ensure stability in the region.