U.S. to accept thousands more Afghan refugees ahead of military pullout

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is expandingefforts to get at-risk Afghan citizens out of Afghanistan as Taliban violenceincreases ahead of the U.S. military pullout at the end of thismonth.

The move comes on the heels of Ottawa's promise to resettle more Afghan interpreters and other workers who helped the Canadian Armed Forces during the warand are now in danger of being killed bya resurgent Taliban.

On Monday, the State Department said it is widening the scope of Afghans eligible for refugee status in the United States to include current and former employees of U.S.-based news organizations, U.S.-based aid and development agencies and other relief groups that receive funding from Washington.

Also covered under the plan are current and former U.S. government employees and the NATO military operation who don't meet the criteria for a dedicated program for such workers.

CanadianImmigration Minister Marco Mendicinoand cabinet colleagues announced July 23 the launch of a newresettlement program for interpreters who worked with the Armed Forces, cooks, drivers, cleaners, construction workers, security guards and locally engaged staff employed at the Canadian Embassy inAfghanistan, as well as their families.

During the war, Afghan interpreters helped Canadian troops connect with local leaders, translate conversations and build trust on the ground.

U.S. objective a 'peaceful' Afghanistan

In the U.S., the State Department said "many thousands" of Afghans and their immediate families will now have the opportunity to be permanently resettled as refugees. It did not give a specific number of those who might be eligible for the program.

However, the move comes with a major caveat that may severely limit the number of people who can benefit: Applicants must leave Afghanistan to begin the adjudication process, which couldtake 12 to 14 months in a third country, and the U.S. does not intend to support their departures or stays there.

"The U.S. objective remains a peaceful, secure Afghanistan," the department said in a statement. "However, in light of increased levels of Taliban violence, the U.S. government is working to provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the United States, the opportunity for refugee resettlement to the United States."

The creation of a Priority 2category for Afghans within the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is intended to help thosewho "may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation" but aren't able to get a Special Immigrant Visa because they did not work directly for the U.S. government orhold government jobs long enough.

Roughly 20,000 Afghans have expressed interest in the program.