Washington: 30 July 2021 (TDI)
The President of the United States of America Joe Biden issued a statement upon the arrival of the first flight of Operation Allies Refuge. The first-ever flight of Operation Allies Refuge brought Afghans who are eligible for Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and their families, to the US.
In his statement, President Biden called the arrival of this flight a monumental achievement, for those Afghan nationals who have sided with US troops and diplomats, for the past 20 years. He expressed that this arrival is the first one in the fast-paced process of relocating SIV-eligible Afghans to the US, its facilities abroad, or to third states. The Intelligence Community and the Departments of State and Homeland Security have done detailed background checks and security screenings of the Afghans that have arrived. Before starting their new lives in the US, the last step to take is to go through the process of visa applications and medical checks at Fort Lee, Virginia.
President Biden appreciated the people living in the US, who have been actively raising their voices for these Afghans, including the veterans who also often work as translators and interpreters for these Afghans. He further expressed gratitude for the relentless work that is continuously done by the US diplomats and public servants worldwide, with regards to Operation Allies Refuge.
President Biden highlighted the US determination to support Afghanistan via security, humanitarian, and development aid to the Afghan people, despite the US troops’ withdrawal. He expressed the US commitment to provide diplomatic assistance in the Afghan Peace Process. He urged all the parties to negotiate immediately to minimize violence in Afghanistan and to end it. By doing so, the Afghani people will have the rightful peace, security, and stability. He concluded his statement by thanking the Afghan people for siding with the US, and finally by welcoming them home.
