Legion, others call for ‘swift passage’ of Afghan allies support

Today, The American Legion joined with other organizations in calling for the U.S. Senate to include legislation in the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 that will adjust the status of our Afghan allies while assisting those still in Afghanistan and other countries.

The letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Sen. Charles Schumer and Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell and reads, in part, “It has been over two years since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the evacuation of over 80,000 Afghans to the United States; however, the lives of our brave wartime allies remain imperiled. Legislation providing adjustment of status for Afghans in the U.S. and support to the nearly 150,000 Afghan allies still abroad is vital, and we cannot continue to miss opportunities to include critical provisions in the few legislative vehicles available.”

Joining The American Legion in signing the letter were Veterans of Foreign Wars, Operation Recovery, No One Left Behind and With Honor. “Providing a path to permanent, legal residency has broad political support, as evidenced by bipartisan legislation like the Afghan Adjustment Act and the Afghan Allies Protection Act, as well as national polling showing nearly 90% support amongst Americans for fulfilling our promises to our Afghan allies,” the five organizations wrote. “Providing legal residency to our allies after they are fully vetted is a moral and national security imperative. Congress has failed over the last two years to pass necessary legislation. Political infighting and partisan acrimony have made passing bipartisan legislation increasingly difficult, but our allies can no longer be casualties of this inclusion in the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 and to support passage of the bill.”

American Legion Family members are encouraged to contact their senators and call for Afghan adjustment legislation in the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 and for passage of the supplemental legislation. Contact your senators through our Grassroots Action Center.