Key Takeaways:
- USCIS updated its guidelines, allowing Afghan nationals who arrived in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome to use their medical examination documentation indefinitely.
- This update removes the need for repeat medical exams when applying for permanent residency (Green Card).
- The policy is already in effect and applies to applications filed or pending as of November 13, 2024.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy, granting Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States under Operation Allies Welcome indefinite validity for their immigration medical documentation. This significant update removes the need for repeat medical examinations for those applying for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card).
Under the revised rules, Afghan nationals who completed a full immigration medical exam either within the U.S. (documented on Form I-693) or outside the U.S. (using Forms DS-7794 or DS-2054) are now allowed to use these records indefinitely when applying for permanent residence. This update, effective immediately, applies to all applications filed or pending as of November 13, 2024.
This policy shift, made possible through a recent decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to streamline the Green Card application process for Afghan nationals aspiring to build their lives in the U.S. It reduces administrative burdens and eases integration for those who have left their homeland in search of safety and a fresh start.
#USA #Afganistan
