US stops processing visas for Afghan allies: Tens of thousands likely to be affected • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• Taliban Reprisals: Ongoing targeting and persecution of Afghans who previously worked with the US military or allies.
• Operation Allies Welcome & Enduring Welcome: US government operations to evacuate and resettle Afghans following the US withdrawal.
• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV): A visa program for Afghans who worked with the US government or military.
• US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP): A program for admitting refugees into the United States.
• National Strike Unit (NSU): A specialized Afghan unit that worked closely with US special forces and the CIA.
• USCIS Re-vetting: A proposed policy to re-evaluate the eligibility of refugees who entered the US within a specific timeframe.
• Humanitarian Parole: A temporary status granted to individuals seeking refuge.

Conditions for Afghans in Afghanistan

Afghans who previously worked with the US military or its allies and were unable to flee Afghanistan since the US withdrawal are facing severe repercussions. Beth Bailey reports that these individuals are being targeted by the Taliban government. A recent report from Lighthouse highlights ongoing reprisals, particularly against special forces personnel who collaborated with the US. Many former Afghan government employees are unable to find work and struggle to secure food. The situation is so dire that many have sought refuge in Pakistan, only to face deportation back to Afghanistan, leading to arrests and a pervasive sense of fear for their lives.

Afghan Refugee Population in the US and Policy Impacts

The US has admitted a significant number of Afghans through various operations. Operation Allies Welcome brought in 72,000 Afghans in August 2021. While the exact proportion who directly worked with the US military is difficult to ascertain, many did. In total, 190,000 Afghans have arrived in the US through Operation Allies Welcome and Enduring Welcome. Those admitted through the USRAP and SIV programs are known to have worked with the US and were at risk due to their service.

However, a leaked USCIS memo indicates the Trump administration's intention to re-vet all refugees who entered the US between January 2021 and February 2025. This policy would impact Afghans admitted through these programs, subjecting them to a re-evaluation of their status.

The most significantly impacted groups are:

• 125,000 Afghans still awaiting their Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).
• 85,000 individuals currently overseas within the USRAP, waiting for assistance.

The issuance of SIVs has ceased, and the USRAP has been suspended since February, with no additional Afghan placements projected for the upcoming fiscal year.

The National Strike Unit (NSU) and its Personnel

The transcript highlights the role of the National Strike Unit (NSU), a specialized Afghan unit that worked closely with US forces and the CIA. The NSU was instrumental in fortifying Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul during the final days of the US withdrawal, preventing greater difficulties during the chaotic evacuation. They conducted targeted strikes against high-value targets alongside US special forces and the CIA, playing a crucial role in preserving American lives.

Upon arrival in the US, some NSU members have faced physical challenges requiring prostheses and assistance. There have been significant difficulties in obtaining SIVs for this population. Initially, they were deemed safe due to their presence in the US, and the priority was given to those who had not yet made it to the US. This has led to uncertainty and a feeling of not belonging for some.

In a specific case mentioned, an individual who committed a "heinous atrocity" had applied for an SIV in August 2022 and only received Chief of Mission approval in April 2025. The standard adjudication time for an SIV is nine months, reflecting the urgency due to the dangers faced by applicants. This prolonged uncertainty contributes to significant strain and stress on this population. Furthermore, the humanitarian parole initially granted to Afghans, which lasted two years and was renewed, has not been extended for new arrivals, leaving them in a precarious status.

Conclusion

The situation for Afghans who aided the US and are now in or seeking refuge in the US is complex and fraught with challenges. While the US government has facilitated evacuations, ongoing policy shifts, bureaucratic delays in visa processing, and the lingering threat of Taliban reprisals create significant uncertainty and hardship for this vulnerable population. The case of the National Strike Unit underscores the critical contributions of these individuals and the difficulties they face in securing their future and well-being.