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IAVA Welcomes Bipartisan Introduction of the Afghanistan Adjustment Act

Bill would address Afghan evacuees uncertain legal protection to stay in the U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 10, 2022
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington D.C. – Just days ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the launch of Operation Allies Welcome, both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives have now introduced bipartisan legislation, the Afghan Adjustment Act (HR TBD/S.4787).

More than 70,000 Afghans were admitted to the U.S. as “humanitarian parolees” following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan – a temporary status that does not confer lasting protection or a pathway to permanent U.S. residence. The Afghan Adjustment Act would allow eligible Afghans to apply for permanent status after one year or two years of U.S. residence, respectively, and after clearing additional background checks.

The legislation was introduced in the Senate by both Democrats and Republicans, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The bill was also introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), Rep.  Peter Meijer (R-MI-3), Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO-6), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY-10), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-2), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19), Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI-6), and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA-52).“

A year has passed since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. 300,000+ Afghan wartime allies (interpreters & their families) remain left behind. They need our help. IAVA will not abandon them,” said Matt Zeller, Senior Advisor for IAVA. “The Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA) is a vital piece of legislation because it will fix the structural flaws in the SIV program and provide a pathway to secure residency for those Afghans needing protection. We will fight to ensure that our country keeps its promise to those who served us. IAVA proudly endorses the AAA and urges Congress to pass it as soon as possible.

WHO:Press conference hosted by Evacuate Our Allies Coalition
 The press event, moderated by VFAI’s Chris Purdy, will include remarks from (list in formation): 

  • Alex Plitsas of Human First;
  • Andrew Sullivan, veteran and legislative director at With Honor;
  • Helal Massomi, Afghan Women’s Rights advocate and evacuee;
  • Shawn VanDiver, veteran and founder of Afghan Evac; 
    Lucky (pseudonym), Afghan interpreter and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipient;
  • Matt Zeller, Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America;
    Lawrence Montreiul, Legislative Director at The American Legion
  • Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
  • The event is open to the press and the public.

      
    WHEN: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 1:00 PM ET
      
    WHERE: Plaza in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, at the corner of East Capitol Street NE and First Street NE.
     

    IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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