As of July 2025, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipients who have recently arrived in the United States are once again eligible for structured support during their first 90 days in the country. This development marks a meaningful shift for Afghan nationals who supported U.S. missions abroad and have spent recent years navigating a difficult and often fragmented resettlement landscape.  

The Afghan SIV Pathway and Its Recent Challenges  

The Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 established the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) for Afghan nationals who provided crucial services to the U.S. government, including roles as interpreters, engineers, and support personnel. As of 2025, over 50,500 visas have been issued under this program.  

Following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021, more than 70,000 Afghans were evacuated under Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome. These large-scale efforts demonstrated the urgency of fulfilling America’s commitments to its allies but also exposed gaps in capacity. The initial resettlement wave was complicated by housing shortages, staffing limitations, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic.  

In response, the Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) Program was created to provide emergency service as a temporary solution.  

IRC Atlanta’s Response During the APA Era  

During the height of the APA Program, The IRC in Atlanta became a regional leader in Afghan resettlement. The organization quickly built partnerships and mobilized community resources to meet the needs of newly arrived families.  

Highlights of IRC Atlanta’s efforts:  

These efforts helped stabilize hundreds of families and laid the groundwork for the continuation of resettlement services. 

The People Behind the Numbers  

This work is best understood through the lens of the individuals it has supported.  

One mother arrived in Atlanta with her four children and found work within six weeks. She attends English classes each evening, determined to become financially independent.  

A former interpreter, once separated from his wife by years and continents, now lives with her and their newborn son in DeKalb County. He works full-time in the tech sector and volunteers as a mentor.  

A high school student, who had never spoken English before arriving, now writes short stories and plans to become a teacher.  

These stories reflect the determination and potential of Afghan newcomers, and the role of well, structured programs in helping them succeed.  

Resettlement Services Now Available for Afghan SIV Holders  

Afghan SIV holders who arrived in the United States within the last 90 days from their date of entry are eligible to receive the full suite of resettlement services provided at our office in Atlanta.  

Available services include:  

To qualify, individuals must: 

Why These Services Matter  

For families rebuilding their lives, timing and access to information make all the difference. The return of resettlement services to Afghans SIV holders comes at a pivotal moment for many who are working hard to navigate a new country, a new language, and new systems, often without extended family or community networks to lean on. It ensures that those who stood beside the U.S. during conflict are given the tools and support to begin again, this time in safety.  

How to Access Services  

Location: The IRC in Atlanta, 2305 Parklake Drive, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30345  
Phone: 404-292-7731  
Enrollment Deadline: Within 90 days of your arrival in the U.S.  
Required Documentation: Passport or I-94 with proof of entry date  

Help Spread the Word  

If you know an Afghan SIV holder who has recently arrived, encourage them to connect with The IRC in Atlanta as soon as possible. For local organizations, employers, schools, and faith communities, there are many ways to support this effort—from mentorship to job opportunities to advocacy.  

When individuals and institutions come together, resettlement becomes more than policy; it becomes a shared achievement.