Four Years On: Honoring Our Commitment to Afghan Allies Through the SIV Program

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:

• Extend the Afghan SIV program through 2029.
• Expand eligibility to include additional categories of Afghans who fought alongside U.S. forces or prosecuted Taliban criminal activity.
• Allow Afghans on temporary humanitarian status to apply for permanent legal status.
• Codify relocation and resettlement coordination efforts within the State Department.

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.

In April 2025, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) released its final report, Charting the Future of Biotechnology: An action plan for American security and prosperity. This bipartisan commission, established by Congress, was tasked with assessing how biotechnology will shape America’s national security, economy, and global standing in the decades ahead.

Its findings are clear: biotechnology is no longer a niche scientific field—it is a central force in determining whether the United States can remain secure, prosperous, and globally competitive. From the medicines that heal us, to the crops that feed us, to the materials and tools that fuel our economy and defense, biotechnology will define much of the 21st century.

Even more alarmingly, the Commission found that without deliberate investment in biotechnology and coordinated efforts across the federal government, the United States risks falling behind the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)  in biotechnological development.

At With Honor Institute, reports like this deserve more than just a headline. They deserve thoughtful, public-facing discussion that connects complex policy to everyday life. Commenting on this report aligns directly with that mission to educate and support principled veterans and servant leaders who bring integrity, civility, and courage into public service. It is a chance to highlight not only what biotechnology means for our future, but also why bipartisan leadership is essential to realizing its promise responsibly.

Why Biotechnology Matters — and Why Now

The NSCEB report warns that America’s leadership in biotechnology is at risk. Other nations, especially China, have accelerated investments while the U.S. risks falling behind. This isn’t just about science—it’s about the very foundation of our economy, security, and credibility in the world.

Three principles stand out:

• Biotech has national security implications. Vaccines, resilient supply chains, and defense capabilities all depend on it.
• Biotech can drive economic leadership. Jobs, growth, and innovation are increasingly tied to biotech industries.
• Leadership in biotech helps us build global credibility. Allies and partners are looking to the U.S. to set ethical standards and ensure democratic nations—not authoritarian ones—shape biotech’s future.

This is not a partisan issue. It is a defining moment where America must act with unity and urgency.

Unpacking the NSCEB’s Game-Changing Recommendations

The report offers a roadmap for action—bold steps that could secure America’s leadership if implemented.

• Create a National Biotechnology Coordination Office (NBCO): A “nerve center” in the White House to ensure all agencies—from USDA to DoD—follow a unified biotech strategy, updated every five years.
• Invest Big in R&D and Manufacturing: The commission proposes billions of dollars to build labs, scale manufacturing, and de-risk private investment—one of the most significant federal biotech commitments in history.
• Modernize Regulation: Fellowships, pilot programs, and smarter rules would help biotech breakthroughs—like next-gen medicines or sustainable agriculture—reach the public more quickly and safely.
• Defend Against Biotech Risks: The report stresses the need for ethical safeguards and defense infrastructure to prevent misuse while enabling responsible innovation.
• Build the Workforce: From high schools to PhDs, the U.S. must strengthen STEM pipelines and ensure comprehensive academic opportunities are shared nationwide.
• Lead with Allies and Partners: America should shape international standards  with allies and partners, and secure global supply chains to ensure democratic leadership in biotechnology.

These are not abstract proposals—they are blueprints for jobs, national security, and innovation that touches every American household.

Leadership, Trust, and the Biotech Future

The NSCEB has mapped the path forward. However, the bigger question remains: do we have the leadership to follow it?

Biotechnology is about more than science—it is about values. It will determine how we care for our people, defend our nation, and grow our economy. Seizing this moment requires leaders who embody integrity, civility, and courage.

Integrity in Investment.

Billions in biotech funding must be deployed responsibly and transparently, free from political gridlock or short-term interests.

Civility in Collaboration. 

Success will depend on bipartisan cooperation in Congress and collaboration across agencies, industries, and allies.

Courage in Implementation. 

Leaders must be willing to make bold choices—whether in reforming regulations, funding risky but necessary innovation, or setting ethical boundaries for biotech use.

At With Honor Institute, we know that this kind of principled leadership is not only possible but essential. Supporting veterans and servant leaders in public office is one way to ensure the next generation of decision-makers can rise to challenges like this with clarity and courage.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment

The NSCEB’s report, Charting the Future of Biotechnology, is a wake-up call. America’s biotech future will not wait. If we act decisively—with bipartisan resolve and principled leadership—we can secure innovation that strengthens our economy, our security, and our democracy.

The choice before us is simple: let biotechnology become another partisan wedge, or use it as a platform to rebuild trust in our institutions and leadership. At our Institute, we know which path we must take.

Bottom Line

Biotechnology is no longer niche—it’s central to U.S. security, economy, and global leadership.

The NSCEB recommends bold actions: a White House biotech office, massive R&D investments, modernized regulations, stronger defense safeguards, expanded workforce programs, and international leadership.

America’s ability to act will hinge on principled leadership that prioritizes integrity, civility, and courage over partisanship.

This is a bipartisan opportunity: strengthening biotechnology is not just about science, but about rebuilding trust in our democracy and ensuring America’s future.

Over the past several years, biotechnology has moved from the margins of public policy to the center of America’s economic and national security debates. Advances in synthetic biology, bioindustrial manufacturing, and artificial intelligence-driven biotech are reshaping how we defend our nation, build resilient supply chains, and compete with adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).  Until recently, Washington lacked a comprehensive approach to understanding and securing the future of biotechnology.

That is why Congress established the NSCEB to provide strategic recommendations and guidance for the Federal Government and industry.

What Is the NSCEB?

Created in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the NSCEB is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with studying biotechnology’s role in U.S. national security. Modeled after earlier commissions on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, the NSCEB’s mandate is to:

• Assess how emerging biotechnologies will shape the Department of Defense’s current and future operations.
• Recommend the methods, means, and investments necessary to secure America’s leadership in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
• Provide Congress and the Administration with a clear roadmap for advancing biotechnology in ways that strengthen—not weaken—our defense and democratic values.

Why Was It Created?

The NSCEB was born out of a recognition that the U.S. cannot afford to fall behind in the global biotechnology race. In 2021, With Honor Action – a partner organization of the With Honor Institute – worked with Senator Todd Young, Representatives Mike Gallagher and Seth Moulton, and other members of the bipartisan For Country Caucus to advance the provision establishing the commission.

Several realities drove its creation:

• National Security Risks: Biotechnology is increasingly dual-use. Advances have helped us eat better and live longer, but bad actors can also use them to develop bioweapons.
• Strategic Competition with CCP:  biotech firms, many tied to the CCP, have been implicated in misusing genetic data and exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Missed Coordination: Biotechnology spans multiple agencies (DoD, USDA, HHS, DOE) yet lacks a unifying national strategy.

In short, Congress created the NSCEB because America needed a comprehensive, bipartisan framework to guide how biotechnology advances are integrated into our defense and security planning.

Why Does It Matter to the Institute?

At With Honor Institute, we believe the NSCEB’s work represents more than a technical policy exercise. It is about trust, leadership, and bipartisan problem-solving in the face of profound challenges.

The Commission’s recommendations—ranging from creating a White House biotechnology coordination office to strengthening bioindustrial manufacturing supply chains to establishing biotech workforce development programs—all have direct implications for U.S. global leadership.

This matters deeply to us for three reasons:

1. Integrity in National Security: We must ensure that biotechnology investments are transparent, ethical, and aligned with democratic values—not exploited by adversaries.
2. Civility in Policymaking: Implementing the NSCEB’s recommendations requires bipartisan cooperation across Congress and collaboration with allies and partners abroad.
3. Courage in Leadership: As with past transformative technologies, bold leadership will be necessary to manage risks while seizing opportunities in biotech.

Looking Ahead

With the NSCEB’s final report to be released in April 2025, the next stage is legislating and implementation. Just as earlier commissions on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity spurred concrete reforms, this report should catalyze action in Congress, the Executive Branch, and the private sector.

With Honor Institute is committed to ensuring that principled leaders—especially veterans and servant leaders in public service—help shape these policies. Biotechnology will touch many parts of American life, from healthcare to defense to agriculture. Guiding its future with integrity, civility, and courage is not just a policy challenge—it is a test of leadership.

From the battlefield to the presidency, veterans have long earned Americans’ trust as leaders because of the courage, integrity, and unity they bring to civic life. The connection between military service and presidential leadership has existed since the nation’s founding. Among our 45 presidents, 31 served in uniform before stepping into the Oval Office.

George Washington, our first president, embodied the ideal of servant leadership. As General and Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, he led a diverse and untested force to secure independence against overwhelming odds. His reputation for discipline, humility, and unity gave him the legitimacy to guide a fragile republic at its birth. In office, Washington set enduring precedents of integrity and restraint, offering a model of civic leadership rooted in service to country above self.

Ulysses S. Grant rose to General, U.S. Army and carried that experience into the White House. Though his presidency faced notable challenges, his role in preserving the Union lent credibility during a period of national repair.

Harry S. Truman, Colonel, Army Officer Reserves Corps, served with distinction as a captain of artillery in World War I. His military background reinforced his reputation for decisiveness, qualities that proved vital, when he assumed the presidency at the close of World War II and navigated the beginning of the Cold War.

During World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower, General of the Army, U.S. Army, demonstrated the longstanding link between military and civic leadership. As Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, he became a symbol of competence and coalition-building. As president, he applied disciplined, strategic decision-making to steer the country through the early Cold War and to build lasting infrastructure with the interstate highway system.

John F. Kennedy’s service as a Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve shaped his image as a bold, capable leader. His heroism in the Pacific not only demonstrated personal courage but also underscored his ability to inspire and unify people under pressure. His presidency paired service and sacrifice with a sense of national purpose—qualities that still resonate today.

Gerald R. Ford, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve, served aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific during World War II. Known for his fairness and humility, Ford carried lessons of discipline and teamwork into a presidency marked by efforts to restore trust after Watergate.

James “Jimmy” Earl Carter, Jr. Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, trained as a submariner and served under Admiral Hyman Rickover, an experience that sharpened his technical expertise and commitment to duty. As president, Carter brought the same focus on integrity and responsibility to governing, particularly in areas of human rights and diplomacy.

George H. W. Bush, Lieutenant Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, was one of the youngest pilots in World War II. He flew 58 combat missions: surviving being shot down over the Pacific. That resilience and sense of service defined his presidency, particularly in his leadership during the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.

Why Veteran Leadership Matters

Veteran presidents show that service-shaped leadership is about more than battlefield success; it reflects a willingness to put country over self. Veterans bring discipline, accountability, and a mission mindset to elected office.

Veterans and Public Trust Today

Veteran presidents illustrate a broader point: when Americans have needed steady leadership, they have often turned to those who served in uniform. That pattern extends beyond the presidency. Veterans bring credibility to Congress, statehouses, and local government. They carry the same discipline, courage, and instinct for unity into civilian roles, and often do so while overcoming a tough transition.

With trust in politics eroding, elevating more veterans to public responsibility is a practical step. Veterans consistently earn higher public confidence than political insiders. They have shown they can bridge divides at a time when division itself strains democratic norms.

Continuing a Trusted Tradition

From Washington to Eisenhower, Kennedy to Carter, and Truman to Bush, Americans have looked to veterans for leadership, not only for defense. They have brought integrity, resilience, and unity to the presidency.

History points to one clear takeaway: trusting veterans is not just a way to honor past service; it is an investment in the qualities our democracy needs now.

They served then. They lead now.

In a time when political polarization is at its peak, the qualities needed to lead effectively in Congress have become more critical than ever. Leadership rooted in integrity, civility, and the courage to collaborate across divides is essential. One group that brings these qualities in abundance is U.S. military veterans. Having served in various capacities during their time in uniform, veterans possess a unique skill set that is not only valuable but also necessary in today’s political climate; the ability to have hard yet productive conversations.

With Honor Institute (WHI) focuses on educating, informing, and supporting principled veterans and servant leaders who are committed to public service. Our mission centers on nurturing leadership qualities that foster integrity, civility, and courage. As we reflect on Congress’s current composition and the challenges it faces, it’s essential to explore why and how veterans can play a critical role in addressing these issues. 

At the beginning of the 119th Congress, 18.7% (100 of the 535 total members of Congress) had served in the military. This stands in contrast to the 97th Congress (1981-1982), when 64% of the Members had served in the military. While the number of Members who have served in the military has decreased, one thing has not changed:  veteran’s experiences uniquely equip them to address the multifaceted issues that Congress faces through forethought and practicality. 

Veterans are adept at making high-pressure decisions that affect the well-being of others. Military service trains individuals in leadership under challenging circumstances. This is an invaluable skill when navigating the complexities of governance. Their ability to think critically, prioritize issues, and manage resources translates well to the legislative process. 

• According to research from the Center for Effective Lawmaking, veterans are significantly more likely to support bipartisan efforts and emphasize the importance of collaboration in addressing national issues, showing that veterans understand the importance of unity in achieving a common goal. This ability to bridge divides is a skill essential for addressing the gridlock and partisan divide that often hinders progress in Congress.

Source: Deployed to the Hill: How Military Experience Influences Legislative Behavior in Congress by Joseph G. Amoroso (2023)—finds that veterans are significantly more likely to work across party lines (p. 26) PDF link

Veterans understand collaboration drives mission success. In the military, success depends on the ability to collaborate effectively with people from all backgrounds, regardless of political, cultural, or personal differences. This same collaborative spirit is a crucial asset in today’s polarized political environment, where integrity and civility are often in short supply. 

• A 2023 Military Transition Survey conducted by the Harris Poll revealed the most important qualities veterans believe they can bring into a civilian organization from the military are: leadership (56%), teamwork (57%), and ability to adapt quickly (55%). 

Source: 2023 Military Transition Survey. Harris Poll (slide 16).

Their commitment to these principles helps to reestablish the trust between the American people and their elected representatives.

Veterans understand how decisions made in Congress impact people on the ground, from soldiers in the field to citizens back home. Military service provides veterans with hands-on, practical experience in dealing with complex issues. This real-world experience equips veterans with a pragmatic approach to policymaking that approaches problems from a different angle in theoretical or ideological debates. 

• According to a 2023 survey of 1,000 U.S. military veterans released by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), revealed veterans noted the military provided many transferable skills, such as the ability to perform under pressure (50%), teamwork and collaboration (41%), and problem-solving (39%).

Source: Veterans of Foreign Wars. (2023, November 9). New survey finds top challenges facing veterans in the transition to civilian life. Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

Veterans bring a perspective grounded in service to the country rather than personal or party-driven agendas. This focus on the broader mission can inspire more productive conversations in Congress and, in turn, lead to more effective governance.

The need for effective leadership in Congress is undeniable, and veterans are uniquely positioned to provide it. 

As we continue to learn from the experiences of veterans and their leadership roles in Congress, we gain a deeper appreciation for the unique perspectives they bring. It is through their service—whether in the military or in the halls of Congress—that they continue to contribute to the greater good of our nation.