Washington, D.C.: According to a US State Department clarification cited by Khaama Press on Tuesday, Afghan people with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) are not subject to the travel restriction enforced by US President Donald Trump, guaranteeing ongoing visa processing and resettlement assistance.
According to Khaama news, State Department spokeswoman Timmy Bruce said at a June 10 news conference that consular processing of Afghan SIV applications is continuing unabated at all US embassies and consulates worldwide.
For hundreds of Afghans waiting to be relocated under the program, the exemption has been a blessing.
Bruce said there were no particular updates and refused to comment when questioned about the increase in ISIS activities under Taliban administration.
This comes days after the Taliban asserted control over internal security risks by claiming to have killed two suspected ISIS militants in Kabul.
President Trump imposed the travel restriction by executive order, targeting nationals of 12 nations, including Afghanistan.
But according to Khaama Press, the exception for Afghan SIV holders shows Washington’s continued backing for those who helped US operations throughout its two-decade stay in the nation.
After the US withdrew from Afghanistan, the Afghan SIV program was established to safeguard local friends against risks, including military contractors, diplomatic employees, and interpreters.
The clarification has been hailed by human rights groups as an essential step in upholding international duty.
Experts emphasize the need to maintain robust resettlement routes for Afghans who are at risk due to ongoing instability and growing threats from terrorist organizations.