February 11, 2022
CONTACT: press@iava.org

WHAT: Veterans, refugee advocates, and Afghan evacuees will hold a press conference to urge members of Congress to pass an Afghan Adjustment Act.

WHY: As a result of the U.S.’s hurried evacuation, the vast majority of Afghan evacuees were admitted to the country on a tenuous, short-term status known as humanitarian parole. This status does not confer a direct pathway to legal permanent residence; instead, tens of thousands of Afghans will have no other choice but to apply for asylum – a severely backlogged system boasting notoriously low grant rates – or face the prospect of deportation when their parole status expires after two years.

In order to provide a direct pathway to permanent legal residence, as the U.S. has previously done for every generation of wartime evacuees, Congress must pass an Afghan Adjustment Act.

Veterans and Afghan allies will emphasize their shared service and sacrifice over the course of America’s longest war, while refugee advocates will speak to the importance of lasting safety and stability in their successful resettlement.

WHEN: Monday, February 14 at 11:00 am ET

WHERE: Supreme Court, at the corner of East Capitol St NE and First St 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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