WASHINGTON — White House spokesman John Kirby emphasized Thursday that the United States remains committed to its Afghan allies, responding to concerns over the Special Immigration Visas (SIV) program for Afghans who assisted the U.S. in Afghanistan.
Amid fears of the SIV program’s potential collapse, Kirby reassured that efforts to support former partners are ongoing. “At the current issuance rates, all 7,000 remaining Afghan SIV allocations are expected to be used by the end of this summer,” he stated during a press briefing.
Kirby highlighted a request to Congress for an additional 20,000 SIVs to accommodate individuals eligible for the program, urging swift legislative action.
“Our war in Afghanistan has concluded, but our dedication to Afghans, particularly those who assisted us, has not,” Kirby added. “We are wholly committed, both practically and morally, to securing a safe exit for these individuals from Afghanistan.”
