We continue to closely monitor events and carefully assess conditions in Afghanistan. The safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas remain a top priority.
U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents:
- U.S. citizens seeking assistance to depart Afghanistan should utilize this link: Repatriation Assistance Request or in an emergency, call 1-888-407-4747 (U.S. Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (overseas). Legal permanent residents (LPRs) and spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan who are awaiting immigrant visas should also complete this form.
Non-U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents:
- The United States is also taking every available measure to assist Afghans who are at risk, particularly those who worked for or with the United States or have supported international efforts, and has established mechanisms to help Afghans at risk receive protection from potential retaliation or harm.
- The two key mechanisms to support Afghans who are at risk because of their affiliation with the United States are the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and priority referrals to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
Special Immigrant Visa Applicants:
- Additional information on the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/special-immg-visa-afghans-employed-us-gov.html.
U.S. Refugee Admissions Program:
- On August 2, the Department of State announced a Priority 2 (P-2) designation granting USRAP access for certain Afghan nationals and their eligible family members (spouse and children of any age). Afghans eligible for the P-2 program include those who work/worked for the U.S. government but may not qualify for a SIV because they do not have qualifying employment, those who work/worked on U.S. government-funded programs or projects, and those who worked for U.S.-based NGOs and media organizations. At this time, the United States has determined that U.S.-based media organizations may refer Afghan nationals who worked for them under stringer, freelance, and comparable arrangements. Note: For Afghans who worked for programs or projects funded directly by the U.S. government, a U.S. government official must submit a referral on their behalf.
- Additional information on the P-2 designation for access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is available at www.state.gov/refugee-admissions/. Information for Afghan nationals regarding the P-2 designation and instructions for U.S.-based media and U.S. NGOs to submit P-2 referrals are available at www.wrapsnet.org .
- For additional questions related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, please contact USRAPAfghanInquiries@state.gov.
UNHCR and Assistance
- Individuals who believe they are being persecuted or who fear persecution in their own country and have managed to flee to another country should follow procedures to seek asylum with local/national authorities. Such individuals can also seek assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). UNHCR’s immediate focus is to ensure that Afghans who are seeking safety can reach it, including across borders and into neighboring countries if needed and that they can receive assistance to meet basic needs.
- Globally, possibilities for resettlement of Afghans under UNHCR’s program are determined by participating governments. With respect to potential resettlement in a third country, resettlement quotas from governments around the world can currently only include a tiny proportion of refugees worldwide (less than 1%). Although some individuals may be determined to be in need of life-saving resettlement and may meet eligibility criteria, this is contingent on many factors, including the severity of resettlement needs, the protection environment, the position of the host country, and the availability of resettlement places. More information can be found on the UNHCR website at https://help.unhcr.org/.
How the Public Can Help
- It is the millions of people in local communities across the United States who ensure the success of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) by welcoming and helping integrate refugees from around the world. We encourage people who are interested in assisting resettled Afghan SIVs and refugees to reach out to their local refugee resettlement agency to donate, volunteer, or even form community sponsorship teams. There are many opportunities to be involved in welcoming SIVs and refugees and helping them to rebuild their lives in the U.S.
- For a list of resettlement agency and affiliate contacts, please visit www.wrapsnet.org
Source – USEU Mission: https://useu.usmission.gov/afghanistan-inquiries/