Amid Increased Taliban Violence, US Opens Doors For Thousands More Afghan Refugees

US State Department said it will expand the eligibility of refugee admissions beyond the roughly 20,000 Afghans who have already applied.

The United States said Monday it will take in thousands more Afghan refugees, fearing for the safety of people with US associations as America ends its longest war. The State Department said it will expand the eligibility of refugee admissions beyond the roughly 20,000 Afghans who have already applied -- with some being evacuated out -- under a program for interpreters who assisted US forces. "In light of increased levels of Taliban violence, the US government is working to provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the United States, the opportunity for refugee resettlement to the United States," the State Department said in a statement. "This designation expands the opportunity to permanently resettle in the United States to many thousands of Afghans and their immediate family members who may be at risk due to their US affiliation," it said.