Four years after the fall of Kabul and the airlift that brought tens of thousands of Afghans to safety, many Americans have not forgotten the images of the chaos at the airport nor the eyes of families who risked everything to stand alongside U.S. troops and diplomats. Yet, while some Afghans made it to safety, thousands more remain in limbo in other countries, waiting for the promised safe haven in the United States.
As an Institute dedicated to supporting principled veterans and servant leaders who strengthen trust across party lines, we believe it is critical to shine a light on the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program—a lifeline for those who risked their lives to serve alongside our nation. This is not simply a matter of immigration policy; it is a question of integrity, responsibility, and keeping our promises to those who stood by us in times of peril.
What is the Special Immigration (SIV) Program?
Congress established the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program in 2006 to provide safe passage for Afghan and Iraqi translators directly supporting the U.S. military or diplomatic missions. Over time, the program’s eligibility was expanded to include others who worked alongside the U.S. government in dangerous roles, such as interpreters.
Since its inception, the U.S. has issued more than 40,000 Afghan SIVs and 2,000 Iraqi SIVs, extending protection not only to applicants but also to their immediate families. Importantly, SIVs provide a pathway to permanent citizenship—something temporary protections cannot guarantee.
The program, however, has faced lengthy delays: currently, it takes an average of 800 days for applications to be fully processed. For those still in Afghanistan or Iraq, every day of waiting can be a matter of life or death.
Why Does It Matter?
The SIV program is about more than visas—it is about trust. Thousands of Afghans and Iraqis risked their lives to support U.S. missions, often becoming targets of insurgent and terrorist groups. It is estimated that over 300 Afghan interpreters were killed by the Taliban or other extremists while awaiting visa processing, even before the U.S. evacuation in 2021.
For those who make it through, the impact is life-changing. As Khalid Hamidi, an Afghan SIV recipient, put it:
“Because of the SIV, my children now wake up to school bells, not sirens. That is the greatest gift of all.”
Their stories remind us that timely action is not simply about policy—it is about honoring our commitments.
What is Congress Doing?
Today, bipartisan efforts in Congress are working to strengthen and extend the SIV program. Legislation such as the Afghan Adjustment Act, the Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Act, and the Enduring Welcome Act, backed by both sides of the aisle, would:
These proposals reflect what is possible when leaders from both parties come together to fulfill a moral obligation and defend America’s reputation as a trusted partner.
