U.S. welcomes more Afghan refugees

The first group of 221 Afghans fleeing their homes due to fear of retribution arrived in Virginia on Friday. Operation Allies Refuge launched in July to allow Afghans who helped the United States during its war in the country permanently resettle. The State Department previously estimated at least 2,500 immigrants will arrive in the next few months. Another 4,000 are expected to relocate to a third country. Over 20,000 Afghans have said they want to apply for resettlement.

Who is allowed to resettle? Given rising Taliban violence, the State Department expanded the program to include current and former employees of U.S. media groups, nongovernmental organizations, and relief groups. Applicants must have a referral from a government agency or an American employer. The State Department requires eligible people and their families to relocate to a third country for the 12-14 month adjudication process.

Dig deeper: Read Onize Ohikere’s report in World Tour about the Taliban’s increasing violence in Afghanistan as the U.S. military withdraws.