House to vote on speeding up visa process for Afghans who helped American troops

Washington — In an effort to help Afghans fearing the Taliban's revenge for their work with American troops, the House is scheduled to vote on a bill Tuesday that aims to speed up the bureaucratic process of gaining a special immigration visa to come to the United States. 

About 18,000 Afghans who worked with U.S. troops as interpreters, translators or in other positions are eligible for a special immigrant visa to leave the country for their safety. This number does not account for the family members who would also be included.  The HOPE For Afghan SIVS Act, introduced by Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, aims to clear some hurdles that extend the SIV process including clearing a medical examination requirement.