WASHINGTON: Thousands of Afghans who were associated with the US will be given the opportunity to resettle as refugees under Priority Two in the United States, the State Department announced on Monday.
The State Department said it will expand eligibility of refugee admissions beyond the Special Immigrant Visa and set up a “Priority Two” refugee programme for Afghans who were affiliated with the US.
Priority Two is the same level given to persecuted minorities from a number of countries.
The decision comes in light of the increasing Taliban violence as the US withdraws its troops from Afghanistan, specifically those that may be at risk because of their US affiliation.
"This designation expands the opportunity to permanently resettle in the United States to thousands of Afghans and their immediate family members who may be at risk due to their US affiliation," the State Department said.
Under the Priority Two refugee programme, Afghans who have worked with US media or non-governmental organisations will be given the opportunity to resettle.
The refugee programme will also cater to Afghans who have worked on projects backed by US funding.
The State Department further stated that they will allow Afghans who have served as interpreters or have held support roles to US-led coalition forces.
President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan by 11th September 2021.
With the Taliban going on the offence, the Biden government acknowledged the fears for the stability of the Afghan government. It, however, did insist that the US has done all it could within the country to eliminate Al-Qaeda responsible for September 11, 2001 attacks.
Trump clinches 84% of the votes out of the 92%
New video shows that Donald Trump may not even get job at mall
British tourist chose to roll down the window for taking selfie
Mitchell is being held at Becker County Jail on first-degree burglary suspicion
Malaysian PM conveys condolences on "heart-wrenching" tragedy
Bad news for the former president as prosecutors can question him from prior cases