Philippines to Host U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Center for Afghan Nationals
The Philippines has agreed to a request by the United States to temporarily host a U.S. immigrant visa processing center for a limited number of Afghan nationals aspiring to resettle in America, the treaty allies announced Tuesday.
The Philippine government’s approval reflects the deepening relations between Manila and Washington under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who assumed office in 2022.
The agreement is undergoing final domestic procedures and does not specify the number of Afghans to be accommodated at a time during the visa processing period.
The U.S. government will provide necessary services for the Afghan nationals in the Philippines, including food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation for visa processing.
Both countries expressed gratitude for the cooperation, with the U.S. acknowledging the positive history of bilateral relations with the Philippines.
Resettlement consideration is for Afghan nationals who worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan or are eligible for special immigrant visas but were left when Washington withdrew in 2021.
The agreement was initiated by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed during President Marcos’ visit to the U.S. last year.
President Marcos emphasized the legal and logistical challenges involved in the program, raising concerns about potential issues with stranded Afghan nationals in the country.
The decision showcases the efforts to strengthen relations between the Philippines and the U.S., particularly under President Marcos’ administration.
In light of the recent development, the expansion of the American military presence under a 2014 defense agreement last year highlights the importance of bilateral cooperation in regional security concerns.
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