More Afghans who assist U.S. forces could get a chance to come to the United States under a budget deal unveiled Monday by Congress.
The sprawling agreement on funding the government through September includes 2,500 more of the special visas for the military and diplomatic interpreters just as past allocations are beginning to run out.
Supporters in Congress say the visas are crucial to attracting and protecting Afghans who provide support in the fight against the Taliban and Islamic State by giving them the opportunity of safe haven in the United States.
“The United States made a commitment that we would protect these brave individuals and their families for supporting the counterterrorism mission in Afghanistan, and who are living under immediate threat of reprisal from the Taliban because of their assistance,” Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said in a statement.
McCain and a group of other senators sponsored legislation to increase the number of visas available in the program, which was created in 2009.
Congress approved 1,500 more of the visas in December but those are already running low, forcing the U.S. embassy in Kabul to turn away applicants, according to the New York Times.
McCain said lawmakers should regularly authorize more of the special visas because they help U.S. war efforts, especially in Afghanistan where the fight against ISIS has intensified and led to American casualties this month.
“Doing so will send a clear message that America will uphold our commitment to those — who at great personal risk — stand with us in the fight against terror,” McCain said.
