US to take in thousands more Afghan refugees

The United States said yesterday it will take in thousands more Afghan refugees, fearing for the safety of people with US associations as America ends its longest war.

The State Department said it will expand the eligibility of refugee admissions beyond the roughly 20,000 Afghans who have already applied – with some being evacuated – under a program for interpreters who assisted US forces.

"In light of increased levels of Taliban violence, the US government is working to provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the United States, the opportunity for refugee resettlement to the United States," the State Department said in a statement.

"This designation expands the opportunity to permanently resettle in the United States to many thousands of Afghans and their immediate family members who may be at risk due to their US affiliation."

The State Department said that the expanded eligibility will include Afghans who worked with US-based media organizations or non-governmental organizations or on projects that were backed by US funding.

The State Department will also let in more Afghans who served as interpreters or in other support roles for forces of the US-led international coalition but did not meet earlier requirements on the amount of time they had served.

US President Joe Biden has ordered a withdrawal of remaining US troops by the end of the month, ending the longest war in US history.