What’s new? 

On August 5, Representatives Crow (CO-6) and Miller-Meeks (IA-01) reintroduced the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act (H.R. 4895).  

This essential bill would, among other things: 

• Allow Afghans in the United States with temporary humanitarian status to apply for permanent legal status 
• Extend the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program through December 31, 2029 
• Authorize SIVs for family members of U.S. armed forces and U.S. veterans   

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) urges Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act and uphold our nation’s promise of safety and solidarity to Afghan allies. 

What else? 

Somber Anniversary 

August 15 marks a somber anniversary – the day that the Taliban seized Kabul. 

In the weeks that followed August 15, 2021, thousands of Afghans, who worked alongside the United States, were forced to flee in what became the largest American non-combatant evacuation – Operation Allies Welcome.    

Since 2021, LSSNCA has welcomed and supported nearly 8,500 Afghan allies as they rebuild their lives in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Today, LSSNCA continues to serve Afghan SIV holders who self-travel to the region, ensuring access to housing, legal assistance, and community support. 

“Four years ago, our government made a promise of safety and hope to Afghan allies, a promise to help rebuild their lives with dignity,” said Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO, in a statement. “Today, that promise is faltering. Policy changes have stripped legal protections for Afghans in the United States and made it harder for those abroad to reach safety.”   

On this somber anniversary, LSSNCA reaffirms its commitment to honor that promise.   

Stories of Welcome 

This week, two LSSNCA’s program participants, Hajimurat and Fershta, reflect on their respective journeys to safety.  

• Hajimurat, a former guard for a  U.S. Embassy contractor in Kabul, and his wife had to take a loan to travel after being approved for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). Once here, they relied on relatives to connect them to LSSNCA for support earlier this year. 
• Freshta was a university student in Afghanistan when the Taliban barred girls and women from obtaining an education. She and her family arrived in 2024 and were welcomed and supported by LSSNCA. 

Their journeys remind us why our nation’s promise must be kept.   

How You Can Help: 

• Advocate – Join our friends at Amnesty International to call on Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act. 
• Amplify – LSSNCA has expanded its immigration legal services to serve more community members. Share this flyer with those who may need assistance.    
• Donate – Your support allows LSSNCA to continue to provide housing, education, mentorship, wellness services, and legal assistance to Afghan allies arriving in our community.