WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire have jointly requested the reauthorization of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Afghans who have supported U.S. military or diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan. The senators asked leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee to include language in a forthcoming appropriations package that would allow for an additional 4,000 visas.
“This program’s intent has always had my full backing and I’m glad to join Senator Shaheen in requesting its renewal now,” Grassley said. “Providing safe haven for those who face threats in their home country for providing direct support to the U.S. military, such as interpreters, deserve our thanks. With our improved the integrity measures, we can be sure that these 4,000 visas will go to those who put themselves at risk to help our country.”
Grassley and Shaheen wrote to Appropriations Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman Richard Shelby and Patrick Leahy, as well as Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Lindsey Graham, expressing their strong support for the SIV program. The senators attached to their joint letter a copy of their bipartisan bill and report language for the program’s reauthorization requesting it be included in any final version of the FY 2019 funding bill.
Grassley’s and Shaheen’s letter with attachments can be found HERE.
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