Trump Cancels Immigration (SIV) Visas for Afghan Refugees

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has recently revoked special immigrant visa (SIV) exemptions for Afghan citizens and their immediate family members.

The Afghan advocacy organization in the U.S., Afghan IWOC, criticized this decision, stating that it will lead to family separations, increased uncertainty for refugees, and harm to U.S. allies—particularly Afghans who have worked with American forces and diplomats.

According to Afghan IWOC, SIV applicants have undergone the most thorough vetting processes within the U.S. immigration system and, under U.S. law, are eligible for these visas due to their direct service to American missions.