Approval of Three-Year Extension for Afghan Relocation Efforts by the U.S. Congress

In a significant decision, the U.S. Congress approved a three-year extension for the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) office, which was included in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on December 20, 2024.

This decision reaffirms the United States’ commitment to its Afghan allies who served alongside U.S. forces during the two-decade-long presence in Afghanistan.

The extension of CARE’s mission ensures the continuation of critical relocation and resettlement programs for Afghan nationals, especially applicants for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

The CARE office, established in 2021 following the evacuation of Kabul, coordinates interagency efforts to process, relocate, and resettle at-risk Afghans. Operating under the U.S. Department of State, the office plays a key role in facilitating the movement of these individuals to third countries while ensuring they receive the necessary legal support.

The legal process to formalize CARE’s operations began in May 2024 with the introduction of H.R. 8368, known as the “Afghan Relocation Efforts Authorization Act,” by Representative Dina Titus. The bill aimed to formalize CARE’s activities for a three-year period and secure the necessary funding for its continued operations.

After passing the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the bill was approved by the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support. In December 2024, following the final approval of the NDAA, CARE’s authorization was included under Section 7810, securing its operations for the next three years.

While the three-year extension for CARE is a significant achievement, several challenges persist. One of the primary issues is the shortage of SIVs. Only a limited number of SIVs are issued each year, leaving many eligible applicants in a prolonged waiting period. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has recently emphasized the need for additional visa allocations, particularly for those in the Chief of Mission (COM) stage of the process.

In addition, USRAP applicants face their own challenges, such as long processing times and uncertainty regarding their cases under the new administration. Many applicants are left in limbo in third countries while awaiting their case processing, creating anxiety and despair among those seeking resettlement in the United States. While the CARE extension brings hope, it highlights the need for broader reforms to address the delays in processing.

Furthermore, the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would have provided pathways to permanent residency for evacuated Afghans, was notably omitted from the NDAA. This bill could have helped Afghans who have already been relocated to the U.S. establish clearer routes to permanent status. Additionally, a request for $1.56 billion in funding for the Refugee and Entrant Assistance (REA) account, which supports local and state integration efforts, was not approved, further limiting resources for refugee resettlement programs.

Although the three-year extension for CARE is a positive step, many advocates argue that more needs to be done to streamline immigration pathways, increase SIV allocations, and allocate additional funding for refugee support programs. Congress’s 119th session, set to convene in January 2025, will need to address these pressing issues.