No One Left Behind

In June, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but failed to include legislation to support our Afghan allies. Now, the Senate is considering the path forward for the NDAA. The defense bill has been used to improve the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program on eight previous occasions, but this year’s NDAA is shaping up to exclude our Afghan allies. The House missed a golden opportunity in not protecting our wartime allies through the NDAA. Our vulnerable Afghan allies cannot afford for the Senate to do the same. Our allies need your help today! Please call your Senator today and ask them to cosponsor and call for a vote on the Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies Amendment (S.Amd. 2682) to improve SIV processing and protect our allies left in legal limbo. The NDAA is a critical bill for the SIV program, and this year is no different. Find a template message and your Senators’ contact information at nooneleft.org/advocacy.

No One Left Behind recently honored Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their leadership of the Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) programs. We are grateful for their commitment to fulfilling America's promise to our allies on the Hill and beyond. A special thank you to all who joined us, including our tireless champion, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Recent reports suggest the United States is considering withdrawing troops from Iraq and Syria. This is alarming as the U.S. does not have a viable program that ensures our Iraqi and Syrian allies who have stood alongside us for decades are protected. The 1059 Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program allows only 50 visas per year split between both Iraqi and Afghan translators and interpreters. It does not cover Syrian allies at all. In short, the U.S. has no programs that will come close to meeting the projected needs of our Iraqi and Syrian allies. America is poised to leave our wartime allies behind yet again. Like in Afghanistan, there are tens of thousands of Iraqis and Syrians who should qualify under the 1059 SIV program. Join No One Left Behind in fixing the SIV program so that it supports all of our Afghan, Iraqi, Syrian, and other allies. Call your Members of Congress and ask them to support the expansion of the SIV program to help all those who selflessly served on America’s behalf. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/eb6bs4Qd.

Following your dedicated advocacy, the House of Representatives has passed the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025 (H.R. 8771) including an amendment supporting the principles of the Afghan Adjustment Act. This language is a critical first step in keeping the promise to our Afghan allies. However, the work is far from over. Your advocacy ensured that this amendment, as well as three additional priority amendments to extend and fully fund the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program, were among the most popular amendments to H.R. 8771. Despite this broad, bipartisan support, three provisions to substantially improve Afghan SIV Program eligibility and funding were blocked from consideration. As Congress moves forward with this and other key legislative packages, your continued advocacy for the Afghan SIV program keeps these lifesaving provisions on the table. Join No One Left Behind in using your voice to ensure America honors its word by sending the drafted message on our website to your Representative today. https://lnkd.in/eb6bs4Qd

On a day set aside for celebrating America’s independence, we stop to express our gratitude for our freedoms and those who made them possible. From the selflessness of our veterans to the loyal allies who stood alongside them, this holiday serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the promises that are still to be fulfilled. From all of us at No One Left Behind, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July! Invest in America's promise today and change an ally's life forever: https://lnkd.in/gC62FCTW

In the last few weeks, mobs spurred on by violent, Iranian-backed militias have been attacking American restaurant chains and other businesses with perceived association with the U.S. As January’s tragic attack by these same Tehran-aligned Iraqi militias on Tower 22 in neighboring Jordan demonstrated, these acts of violence can quickly turn deadly as three U.S. service members were killed. These attacks are significant for our Iraqi and Syrian allies. It sends the message that anti-U.S. sentiment is still a powerful reality and supporting American troops and diplomats makes them and their families targets. As the U.S. contemplates a possible reduction in troop posture in the region, No One Left Behind remains committed to ensuring that our Iraqi and Syrian allies are not left behind. To stay up to date with the latest news regarding our Afghan, Iraqi and Syrian allies, subscribe to No One Left Behind's email blast today. SUBSCRIBE: https://www.nooneleft.org

It's here! No One Left Behind's 2023 Impact Report is now live. This document details the lives we touched as a result of your support with never-before-seen stories, letters from our allies and more. On behalf of the 4,000 we served last year and the 10,000 we're aiming to aid in 2024, thank you for making our mission move. View the full report by visiting: https://lnkd.in/eJd4B_Ag

No One Left Behind founder, Janis Shinwari, transformed a gift into an organization dedicated to ensuring a brighter future for those who walked a similar path as him. This selfless decision has forever changed the lives of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis. Fast forward to today, we’re celebrating a decade of keeping America's promise. Join us in ensuring our work continues for another 10 years and beyond by sharing this message with 10 friends and donating $10. JOIN US: https://lnkd.in/gC62FCTW

In the month of May, your support allowed us to continue making good on our nation's word through serving 185 newly arrived allies. By providing access to safe and secure housing, assistance with transportation and guidance through the employment landscape, together we've ensured a better start for our allies. Become a part of an ally's warm welcome to the United States by applying to join us a resettlement volunteer or mentor: https://lnkd.in/ewwAZCEd

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but failed to support our Afghan allies. This week, the House Rules Committee meets to consider the path forward for another critical package, including the funding used for the lifesaving Afghan allies' resettlement efforts. Unfortunately, as it’s currently written, this funding legislation (The Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025) excludes key provisions for these allies. The House missed a golden opportunity in not protecting our wartime allies through the NDAA and they cannot be excluded again. Four critical bipartisan amendments are on the table before the Rules Committee. If they are adopted, they will go a long way to keeping America’s promise. Join No One Left Behind in calling on your Representative to cosponsor the State and Foreign Operations amendments for our Afghan allies using the drafted message on our website. TAKE ACTION: https://lnkd.in/eb6bs4Qd