Update from ILAP

Since September 15, Afghan Americans, veterans, and others have been holding a round-the-clock vigil at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., calling on Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA). In October, as members of Congress head back to their districts for election season, advocates will follow them to their home states to hold vigils and make their voices heard. No matter the conditions outside, how long it takes, or how far they must travel, they have vowed to remain on “Fire Watch” until the AAA is law. For veterans, passing the AAA is part of finishing the mission they started in Afghanistan. 

The Afghan Adjustment Act was introduced on a bipartisan basis in both the House and the Senate in early August, with many critical and life-saving provisions. This legislation would help Afghan allies evacuated to the U.S. begin rebuilding their lives, safeguard our national security, and take some key steps in assisting U.S.-affiliated Afghans who were not able to escape Afghanistan and remain in danger every day. It would provide hundreds of Afghan allies in Maine with a clear path to green cards and lasting safety and security. 

The AAA is endorsed and supported by the nation’s largest and leading veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Student Veterans of America, Common Defense, and others. In addition to assisting the individual Afghan interpreters and other allies who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. for two decades, veterans are clear: passing the AAA is a matter of national security. If we abandon our Afghan allies now, U.S. troops will be left without support in future conflicts. 

Afghan Americans and veterans in Maine have played a leading role in pushing the AAA forward and have secured the support of Sen.Angus King, Rep. Jared Golden, and Rep.  Chellie Pingree. All call on Sen. Susan Collins to join with the rest of the Maine Congressional delegation in cosponsoring this vital, bipartisan legislation now. 

Follow the link below to take action today! 

Take Action: 

www.refugeesinternational.org/pass-the-afghan-adjustment-act 

Follow the Afghan Adjustment Act Fire Watch by searching #FireWatch or #AfghanAdjustmentAct on Twitter