Amidst looming government funding debates and a potential partial shutdown, a bipartisan group of 51 lawmakers is advocating for continued funding of the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. This program provides a pathway to safety for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces and now face threats from the Taliban. Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO) and Zach Nunn (R-IA) spearheaded a letter to House appropriators urging them to prioritize the SIV program during FY 2025 budget negotiations.
This plea comes as President-elect Trump has pledged significant spending cuts, raising concerns about the future of various programs. Trump recently announced on Truth Social his intention to slash hundreds of billions of dollars in spending through reconciliation next year. His appointment of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to an advisory panel on government efficiency further underscores his focus on fiscal restraint. Musk and Ramaswamy previously led opposition to a bipartisan spending bill, though they haven't specified target areas for cuts.
Lawmakers are advocating for the continuation of the Afghan visa program while President-elect Trump is proposing substantial spending reductions. (Getty Images)
Representatives Jason Crow and Zach Nunn, both military veterans, spearheaded the bipartisan letter. (Getty Images)
The lawmakers emphasize the vital role of the SIV program in protecting Afghans who collaborated with the U.S. and now face severe risks. They argue that Congress must ensure the State Department can continue issuing visas to those eligible. Established in 2009, the program gained renewed significance following the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 and the subsequent U.S. withdrawal. Since FY 2019, Congress has consistently authorized additional visas for the program.
With ongoing disagreements on FY 2025 spending, Congress has resorted to two continuing resolutions, extending previous funding levels to avert a partial government shutdown. The current extension lasts until March 14, providing a limited timeframe for reaching a budget agreement.
