John, 

This time of year is my favorite because it’s an opportunity to open my home and doors to my friends and family – hosting holiday dinners, parties, baking cookies, watching movies, and spending quality time with those I love most.

This year, I’ve seen this spirit of welcoming and generosity not only in my e-mail inbox with invitations to cookie swaps and movie marathons, but also in how communities across the country have welcomed Afghan evacuees into their communities.

Embrace the seasonal spirit of welcome: Take action and tell Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act.

Communities across the U.S. are welcoming Afghan evacuees with open arms this holiday season: From organizing sing-alongs to performing the Nutcracker for these new neighbors, Americans are embracing a spirit of welcome.

Yet, evacuees still face uncertainty: many are still awaiting permanent resettlement and have only been granted parolee status – which only grants temporary permission to enter and remain in the U.S. for two years.

It is critical for Congress to pass legislation that would protect these evacuees because obtaining asylum or other relief may be extremely difficult for many of them. Given existing backlogs in the asylum system, as well as the fact that many Afghans were advised to destroy needed documents associating them to the U.S. mission to evade the Taliban, Congress must act to resolve the long-term status of these people and provide them an expedited pathway to lawful permanent residence. Without it, these individuals face an uncertain future; even potentially having to return to Afghanistan, or waiting years to obtain asylum in a backlogged system. 

These Afghans fleeing violence and persecution deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety – without the fear and limitations associated with uncertain immigration status. 

Take action and send a message of welcome this holiday season: tell Congress to immediately pass an Afghan Adjustment Act that would allow Afghan parolees to have an opportunity to seek lawful permanent resident status.

Thanks for all you do,

Rebecca Wall
Vice President of Digital Communications
National Immigration Forum