URGENT: Refugees need your support.

Show our neighbors that they are (still) welcome by supporting food assistance, healthcare, and other critical needs.

Please give today.

SUPPORT REFUGEES

The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Act Now Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Refugee Resettlement

Biden Administration Expands Access to U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for Afghans

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

August 2, 2021

First Afghan Allies Arrive on U.S. Soil in “Operation Afghan Allies”

Contact: Timothy Young | our email | 443-257-6310

Washington D.C. – Today, the Biden administration announced a Priority 2 (P-2) designation granting access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for certain Afghan nationals and their eligible family members, citing increased levels of Taliban violence.

The move seeks to address the many thousands of Afghans and their immediate family members who may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation, but who are not eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) because they did not have qualifying employment, or because they have not met the time-in-service requirement to become eligible. Refugee resettlement organizations have advocated for such a designation for weeks.

The following is a statement by Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge:

This is another vital step in the right direction, following the arrival of the first relocation flight in “Operation Afghan Allies” and President Biden’s signature of bipartisan legislation last week. It recognizes that the danger of affiliation with America extends well beyond those who served as military interpreters.

There are countless journalists, teachers, women’s rights activists, and other civil society leaders who believe deeply in the ideals we fought for, and whose lives are in jeopardy because of it. It is our moral duty to offer a pathway to protection for them, especially as the security situation rapidly deteriorates. We simply cannot let those who befriended the U.S. be beheaded by the Taliban.

We applaud President Biden and Secretary Blinken for acknowledging the humanitarian imperative to take action. It is more important than ever that we rebuild the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to its full capacity to welcome these families. 

The Latest

  • News

    December 17, 2025

    Top 10 Photos of 2025

    Global Refuge's Top Ten Photo's of 2025.

    Read More

  • Press Release

    December 16, 2025

    Global Refuge Deeply Alarmed by Expansion of Sweeping Travel Ban

    Global Refuge strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to expand its travel ban to 39 countries, further limiting lawful migration through a sweeping mix of full and partial entry bans.

    Read More

  • News

    December 10, 2025

    Global Refuge Reaffirms Commitment to Human Dignity

    At Global Refuge, we honor and recognize the inherent dignity of all people. For 86 years, we have walked alongside refugees and other immigrants as they build their new lives in the United States—often fleeing war, persecution, and humanitarian disaster in pursuit of a better life. We welcome newcomers not simply because it is the right thing to do, but because it is central to our mission and identity: As a witness to God's love for all people, we stand with and advocate for children, refugees, and other immigrants , transforming communities through ministries of service and justice.    

    Read More

  • News · Community Engagement

    December 4, 2025

    7 Ways to Make a Difference for Immigrants and Refugees This Season

    See seven ways to help refugees and immigrants this holiday season.

    Read More

  • Press Release

    November 25, 2025

    Global Refuge Responds to Administration’s Plan to Re-Vet Lawfully Admitted Refugees

    Global Refuge is deeply concerned by reports that the Trump administration's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review and potentially re-interview the cases of more than 200,000 refugees who were lawfully admitted to the United States between 2021 and early 2025, while also halting the processing of their applications for lawful permanent residency.

    Read More

Related Posts

Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

Refugee Cap Finalized at Record-Low 7,500 for FY 2026

October 30th

More

Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

Refugee Cap to be Set at Record Low 7,500 in FY 2026

October 6th

More

Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

TPS for Afghanistan Expires, Leaving Thousands at Risk of Deportation and Job Loss

July 21st

More

Share