H.R. 4995: Enduring Welcome Act of 2025

The bill known as the Enduring Welcome Act of 2025 aims to enhance and modify how the U.S. government manages the resettlement and relocation of Afghan nationals who assisted U.S. military operations, particularly through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and refugee programs. Here is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts

The bill establishes an Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts within the Department of State. The Coordinator will oversee and facilitate various aspects of Afghan relocation, including:

• Supporting voluntary departures of eligible Afghan nationals.
• Coordinating vetting and security screening processes with other federal agencies.
• Facilitating logistics for relocation and resettlement.
• Addressing family reunification issues, especially those involving U.S. military personnel and veterans.
• Enhancing integration support for relocated individuals, including trauma recovery and medical care.
• Maintaining a centralized database of Afghan applicants and beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Providing regular updates to Congress about Afghan relocation efforts.

Collection of Information and Database

The Coordinator is also tasked with collecting information regarding Afghan nationals who are seeking relocation. This includes statistics on:

• The number of applicants in various statuses (e.g., SIVs, refugees).
• Family reunification cases—pending, approved, or completed.
• Average processing times for applications.
• Denial rates and reasons for application closures.

A secure database will be established to compile and manage this information, which may include classified data if necessary. Reports on this information will be submitted to Congress regularly.

Definitions

The bill outlines definitions important for its implementation, including what constitutes a "covered person," which includes:

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
• Afghan nationals eligible for special immigrant status.
• Family members of approved aliens.

Temporary Nature of the Act

The provisions of the act are set to last for five years from its enactment date, unless explicitly renewed or extended.

Findings Justifying the Act

The Congress presents findings that highlight the importance of the relocation program, emphasizing that it is an essential sign of support for U.S. servicemembers and a reflection of the country's commitment to those who assisted U.S. efforts in Afghanistan. It stresses that reuniting Afghan allies with their family members is vital and that the vetting process for applicants is secure and thorough.

Additional Responsibilities

Alongside its primary functions, the Coordinator will handle specific tasks aimed at improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the relocation system, ensuring that freed-up resources are properly allocated for urgent needs such as mental health and local community integration.

Relevant Companies

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