U.S. Offers Refugee Status to More Afghans Facing Danger
- Employees of news organizations, nongovernmental groups added
- State Department cites ‘increased levels of Taliban violence’
A translator for the U.S. Marines, left, speaks with villagers in Helmand province, Afghanistan in 2009.
Photographer: David Guttenfelder/AP Photo
The Biden administration is expanding a program to take in Afghans who face threats from the Taliban for having worked with the U.S. since the 2001 invasion, announcing a plan to make it easier for people employed by American media and aid groups to apply for refugee status.
Citing a rise in violence by the Taliban as American forces leave the country, the State Department said Monday that the U.S. will offer so-called Priority 2 status to a new category of Afghan citizens: current and former employees of American media outlets as well as for U.S.-funded projects and nongovernmental organizations. Those who worked for the U.S. for short periods can also apply.