A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has reintroduced the Afghan Adjustment Act in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, marking the third attempt to create a legal pathway to permanent residency for tens of thousands of Afghans brought to the United States after the 2021 military withdrawal.
The bill would also extend the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Afghans and expand eligibility for US relocation to include those with Priority 1 and Priority 2 refugee referrals.
Afghan Evac, an advocacy group supporting Afghan refugees in the US, welcomed the move and urged swift passage of the legislation. “We cannot wait any longer. Lives are at stake, and Congress must act now,” the group said in a statement.
The group noted that many Afghans who supported US missions during the 20-year war remain in legal limbo. Some entered the country under temporary “parole” status and are waiting for a chance to build stable lives, while others remain in US custody at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, facing possible return to the threats they fled.
“This is the third time the bill has been introduced since the fall of Kabul,” the group said. “Veterans, military families, human rights defenders and faith leaders are once again standing together to call on Congress to do its part. This should not result in another sacrifice caused by Washington’s inaction.”
Advocates stressed that Congress must act immediately and not on Washington’s political timeline. “This is America’s chance to keep its promise. The time for symbolism is over. The time for action is now,” Afghan Evac said.
