No One Left Behind Commends Continued Support for Afghan Allies, Urges Action for Those Left Behind

No One Left Behind is grateful the President is honoring America’s promise to our Afghan allies by including an exemption for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders in the recent travel restrictions. This is important and necessary in keeping our promise to these brave allies who risked their lives to protect American troops and uphold our shared mission in Afghanistan. 

However, there are still many allies who served shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States who are being left behind because they do not qualify for the SIV program. This includes those who were injured in the line of duty and were unable to complete a full year of service, the women and men of the Afghan National Army who trained and served with U.S. Special Forces, and many more. They stood by us in war, but now face danger because of their service with no clear way out. We must keep our promise to them as well. 

We are eager to work in partnership with the administration to find secure pathways to bring all our well-vetted allies to safety. Our national security is strengthened when we keep our word, and the most sacred promises we make are to those who protect us.