SIV Program Open, but Resettlement Support Closed

Shawn VanDiver, the head of AfghanEvac, has stated that Afghans with approved visas can travel to the country at their own expense.

VanDiver emphasized that the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program remains active and has not been halted.

However, government support for the resettlement of these immigrants has been discontinued.

He said: “What’s closed, permanently, is the government funded resettlement support that refugees and SIVs used to receive (before Jan 20th) on arrival.”

Meanwhile, some Afghans with pending P1 and P2 immigration cases held a protest gathering in Pakistan, demanding attention to their concerns.

They say that in addition to economic hardships, they face the risk of arrest and deportation by the Pakistani government.

 “Three years ago, we were referred to a third country by the US immigration authorities for case processing. Although the process is moving very slowly, some individuals have managed to relocate to the US,” said Samima Amiri, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan.

 “We have gathered here to make our voices heard by decision-makers,” said Farima Noori, another Afghan refugee in Pakistan.

Some refugee rights activists stress that the US must fulfill its previous commitments to relocate refugees and engage in discussions with Pakistan regarding their situation.

Nazar Nazari, a refugee rights activist, said: “Refugees do not have the financial means to cover the cost of travel to the US The US must uphold its commitments and address the situation of these refugees.”

 “Visas issued to refugees must be recognized upon arrival by US immigration authorities and relevant agencies overseeing this program,” said Mohammad Khan Mohammadzai another refugee rights activist. 

This comes as US President Donald Trump, after beginning his new term, has suspended the refugee admission program for four months.