The annual defense policy bill will provide 3,500 more visas for Afghans who helped US troops, The Hill reports.
“The conferees believe the special immigrant visa programme continues to be critical for the US government’s operations in Afghanistan,” a conference report released Thursday said.
The special immigrant visa programme, which has been launched in 2009, is meant to help Afghans facing threats to their lives for serving as interpreters with US troops. The programme was nearly terminated earlier this year due to a lack of available visas.
The US Embassy in Kabul stopped interviewing applicants in March and said it would not start again until Congress intervened.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen applauded the compromise of 3,500 visas in the final bill, saying she hopes this is the “first of many” investments in the visa programme.
“Afghan civilian interpreters risk their safety and the welfare of their families to aid US forces. Their service to our nation and mission in Afghanistan has saved American lives on and off the battlefield. I’m glad to see support from Congress for my effort to authorise additional visas so we can ensure the protection of our courageous interpreters and support staff.” Shaheen stressed.
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