Washington: In a concerning development, a report released by the US State Department's Inspector General on Thursday reveals that over 840,000 Afghans who have applied for the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program are still in Afghanistan. This program, established by the US government, aims to provide visas to Afghans who have worked alongside the US government or its allies in Afghanistan.

The report underscores the dire situation faced by these applicants, as the number of SIV applications has surged by 50% since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. However, only about 100,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States since that time.

The slow pace of the SIV resettlement program can be attributed to a host of complex factors, including security concerns, bureaucratic hurdles, and a shortage of funding. The security situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated significantly under Taliban rule, with harsh restrictions imposed on women and girls and reports of human rights abuses. These conditions have made travel to the United States for resettlement both difficult and perilous for Afghan applicants.

The bureaucratic delays plaguing the SIV program have also contributed to the backlog of applications. The State Department has been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of requests, resulting in sluggish processing times. Furthermore, a dearth of funding has hampered the program's effectiveness. The US Congress has not allocated sufficient funds to fully support the program, forcing the State Department to prioritize certain applicants, particularly those facing imminent threats from the Taliban.

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These findings represent a significant setback for the Biden administration, which had previously committed to resettling 125,000 Afghans in the United States. While the administration has expressed its commitment to addressing the challenges confronting the SIV program, the timeline for resettling all Afghan applicants remains uncertain.

Additionally, the report raises serious concerns about the program's future. The Taliban has declared its refusal to recognize the SIV program and has issued threats against Afghans who have applied for it. These ominous warnings could further complicate and endanger the prospects of Afghans seeking resettlement in the United States.

The 840,000 Afghans still in Afghanistan face a perilous and uncertain future. They remain vulnerable to persecution by the Taliban and have limited avenues for escape. The Biden administration is under increasing pressure to take decisive action to aid these Afghan applicants and ensure the SIV program's continued operation.

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Challenges and Complexities:

• Security Concerns: The security situation in Afghanistan has witnessed a sharp deterioration since the Taliban's takeover. The Taliban's oppressive measures, especially towards women and girls, have created a perilous environment, making travel for SIV applicants fraught with danger.
• Bureaucratic Delays: The bureaucratic machinery of the SIV program has struggled to process the overwhelming number of applications swiftly. Delays have hindered the timely resettlement of Afghan applicants, exacerbating their vulnerability.
• Funding Shortages: Inadequate funding, stemming from a lack of congressional appropriations, has severely hampered the program's capacity to function effectively. The prioritization of applicants in dire circumstances highlights the financial constraints facing the SIV program.
• Biden Administration's Commitment: The Biden administration's promise to resettle 125,000 Afghans in the United States faces challenges in light of the backlog of applications and bureaucratic inefficiencies. The timeline for achieving this goal remains uncertain.
• Taliban Opposition: The Taliban's refusal to recognize the SIV program and its threats against applicants present a formidable obstacle. This opposition could further complicate efforts to facilitate safe resettlement.

Immediate Needs and Long-Term Solutions

Addressing the plight of the 840,000 Afghan SIV applicants still in Afghanistan necessitates immediate action and long-term strategies:

1. Urgent Evacuation: Prioritizing the safe evacuation of vulnerable Afghans, especially those facing imminent threats, must be an immediate priority. This involves collaboration with international partners and organizations to ensure secure transit.
2. Streamlined Processing: To alleviate bureaucratic delays, the SIV application process should be streamlined and expedited. This includes increasing staffing levels, enhancing coordination, and improving administrative efficiency.
3. Additional Funding: Securing additional funding from Congress is crucial to bolster the SIV program's capacity. Adequate resources are essential to process applications efficiently and support resettlement efforts.
4. Diplomacy and Negotiation: Engaging in diplomacy and negotiations with the Taliban, aimed at recognizing and safeguarding the rights of SIV applicants, is vital for ensuring their protection and facilitating their resettlement.
5. International Collaboration: Working in collaboration with international partners, including neighboring countries, to create safe havens for Afghan SIV applicants should be explored as a means of providing temporary refuge.
6. Long-Term Resettlement Strategies: The Biden administration should develop comprehensive long-term resettlement strategies that not only prioritize SIV applicants but also address the broader challenges facing Afghan refugees and displaced populations.

the report highlighting the plight of over 840,000 Afghan SIV applicants still in Afghanistan underscores the urgency of addressing their dire situation. The multifaceted challenges, from security concerns to bureaucratic delays and funding shortages, require a concerted and immediate response.

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The Biden administration faces a significant test in fulfilling its commitment to resettling Afghan applicants and should explore diplomatic avenues to secure their safety. The international community, too, has a role to play in supporting these vulnerable individuals as they seek refuge and a chance for a better future.