River Bend Times

U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Jason Crow (CO-06) have reintroduced the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act in Congress. The legislation aims to provide a pathway to permanent legal residency for vetted Afghan nationals who assisted American forces during the war in Afghanistan.

The bill follows a recent statement by former President Trump, who called for continued support for Afghan allies. According to Miller-Meeks, "These men and women fought beside our troops and served alongside us with courage and loyalty. President Trump is right to call attention to their sacrifice, and we are answering that call by moving forward on legislation that honors our commitment. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Rep. Crow to protect those who protected us."

Crow, who served in Afghanistan as an Army veteran, said, "I served in combat in Afghanistan. I might not be here today were it not for the brave Afghans who fought & served alongside us. After the war, we promised we’d protect those who protected us, and we need to make sure the U.S. is living up to that commitment. The Afghan Adjustment Act is an important next step to get vulnerable Afghan families to safety and ensure they can live in the United States."

Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action, stated: "The United States has a moral obligation to support the Afghans that risked their lives to aid and protect our service members and diplomats during America’s longest war. The Afghan Adjustment Act is a vital step to keep our word, strengthen national security, and uphold the values that define us as a nation. We are grateful to Representatives Jason Crow and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, members of the For Country Caucus, for their bipartisan leadership on this critical effort to protect our wartime allies and honor America's promise.”

President Trump recently posted on Truth Social about his intent to help Afghans who supported U.S. military efforts during the conflict in Afghanistan. In response, Miller-Meeks partnered with Crow—both Army veterans—to renew legislative action.

For over two decades, thousands of Afghan nationals worked as translators, interpreters, or civil society leaders supporting U.S. missions in Afghanistan. Many of these individuals entered the United States under temporary humanitarian status after the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The proposed legislation would create a process allowing eligible Afghans with temporary status to apply for lawful permanent residency following additional security vetting measures such as in-person interviews. This approach mirrors previous Congressional actions taken after other conflicts like the Vietnam War or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The bill has garnered bipartisan support from several representatives including Zach Nunn (IA-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Don Bacon (NE-02), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), and Ami Bera (CA-06).

Miller-Meeks has represented Iowa’s 1st district since 2021 after succeeding Dave Loebsack; she previously served in the Iowa Senate from 2019 until her election to Congress. She was born in Herlong, California in 1955 and currently resides in Le Claire. Miller-Meeks earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Christian University in 1976.

Read more about Rep. Miller-Meeks at https://millermeeks.house.gov/about.