House Republicans Move To Cut Afghan Special Visa Increase In Spending Bill
Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives plan to remove the proposed increase in Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan allies from their spending bill.
Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives plan to remove the proposed increase in Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan allies from their spending bill.
A Republican congressman expressed concerns about the screening process for resettled Afghans in the US. He said he is working to change visa regulations for Afghan immigrants.
Republicans in the House aim to revise the temporary funding bill to win support from opponents. They plan to eliminate the scheduled expansion of visas for Afghans who fought alongside US forces in Afghanistan.
On Monday, 11 March, Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, said he is pushing for changes to the SIV programme. He voiced concerns over the vetting process for Afghans resettled in the US.
Cory Mills, a Republican from Florida, also raised concerns about the visa provisions in the bill.
Two other Republican lawmakers estimated that 8 to 10 party members would refuse to vote for the funding bill unless their requested SIV changes were made.
With Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky opposing the bill and Democratic leaders working against it, House Speaker Mike Johnson cannot afford further opposition. The government shutdown deadline is Friday, and several other Republican representatives remain undecided on the bill.
Republican leaders are adding amendments to the SIV programme in a managerial revision expected to pass through the House Rules Committee.
The amendment would reduce the total number of SIVs from 70,500 to 50,500. It would also remove an extension that would have allowed Afghan applicants two more years to apply.
A senior Republican congressional official stated that this amendment maintains the SIV programme for Afghan allies in its current form until the administration completes its review.
