Afghan Allies Face Uncertainty Amid Potential Travel Ban, Funding Cuts

Lawmakers and veterans are advocating for the restoration of aid to Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. during the war, as they face potential travel restrictions and funding freezes. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to expedite the immigration process for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders. Over 5,700 SIV holders and applicants are in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, and Albania, facing limited access to medical care and necessities due to funding cuts. The SIV program, created in 2009, has issued nearly 37,000 visas since 2014, with over 53,000 applications pending. A potential travel ban from certain countries, including Afghanistan, is raising concerns. While a State Department spokeswoman stated that no such list is being acted on, actions like halting flights and funding are causing unease. Additionally, Afghan SIV holders in Pakistan face possible deportation this month.