Targeted by the travel ban, many Afghans await special immigrant visas : NPR

President Trump enacted a travel ban on citizens from a dozen countries Wednesday, including Afghanistan, where U.S. troops were stationed for nearly two decades.

Even though the president's travel ban applies to Afghanistan, it does include an exception.

Afghans who served with the U.S. during the war can still pursue what's known as a Special Immigrant Visa. Since the chaotic military withdrawal of U.S. troops in August of 2021, around 200,000 Afghans have resettled in the U.S., many under that visa program.

In addition, more than 200,000 Afghans remain outside the U.S. while awaiting various stages of the application process, including many who worked with the Americans.

These figures are from U.S. officials and private groups assisting Afghans who want to move to the U.S., includ