KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Joe Biden ordered a review of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Afghan and Iraqi translators who helped the American troops in the two countries.
Under Friday’s executive order, the White House said, practices would be reviewed to ensure the US was keeping its promise held out to the allies to expand the visa scheme.
The proposed review will help enhance access to the programme for the translators who are under threat of persecution.
The review will also help women, children and those who may be discriminated against for gender or sexual orientation.
According to Fox News, Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., a combat veteran who works closely with SIV requests, welcomed the new order.
The lawmaker said: “It just sends such an important signal if you stand with us and you stand against extremism we’ll be there for you. We will honor that commitment.”
Fearing retaliation from the Taliban and other militant outfits, some 17,000 Afghans who helped the US abroad are seeking special visas to resettle in America.
PAN Monitor/mud
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