Five years after the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban's subsequent takeover, many Afghan allies who aided U.S. efforts remain in legal limbo. The initial mobilization to evacuate Afghan partners in 2021 brought approximately 70,000 individuals to the U.S., primarily on humanitarian parole, a temporary measure that granted lawful presence and work authorization but not a permanent home.
Organizations like World Relief and AfghanEvac, along with numerous faith communities and veterans' groups, have been working to resettle these families and advocate for their permanent residency. Many of these evacuees were targets in Afghanistan due to their work with the U.S. government. However, the pathways intended to provide long-term security, such as Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, have faced significant backlogs and limitations.
The proposed Afghan Adjustment Act, aimed at creating a direct route to green cards and citizenship for Afghan evacuees, has failed to pass Congress despite bipartisan support and endorsements from a diverse coalition of organizations. This legislative gap has left tens of thousands in a state of uncertainty.
Further complicating the situation, the U.S. government terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 12,000 Afghans in July 2025. This decision, made despite opposition from evangelical groups, forced individuals who had been granted this temporary protection from deportation into a precarious position. Adding to the challenge, no Afghan principal applicants have been issued SIVs in 2026, and the average wait time for those still in the process has surpassed 1,000 days.
In response to the ongoing crisis, a new bill, the Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026, has been proposed in both the House and the Senate. This legislation seeks to reinstate TPS for Afghans, offering them protection from removal and crucial time to pursue a permanent solution. Advocates emphasize that fulfilling the promises made to Afghan allies is not only a moral obligation but also vital for maintaining U.S. credibility with future partners in international conflicts.
As the five-year anniversary of the evacuation approaches, advocates are urging renewed action from Congress and the Biden administration. They call for the passage of the Afghanistan TPS Act, the Enduring Welcome Act, and the reopening of the resettlement program to all eligible mission partners, underscoring the need for a lasting resolution for Afghan neighbors.