On August 29, 2021, President Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lead and coordinate ongoing efforts across the federal government to support vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked alongside us in Afghanistan for the past two decades, as they safely evacuate Afghanistan and resettle in the United States. Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) is the coordinated effort across the federal government to support and resettle vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked on behalf of the United States. The State of New Jersey and the United States Army Post Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst located in New Jersey both played a major and outstanding role in OAW. Now, New Jersey is working to welcome, integrate, and support the Afghan allies resettled here.

Most Afghan nationals arriving as part of the evacuation effort have been paroled into the United States for a period of two years with Afghan Humanitarian Parole status. Afghan Humanitarian Parole is only issued after each person is carefully screened and vetted. For information on parole extension for Afghan Humanitarian Parolees please visit Re-Parole Process for Certain Afghans.

Afghans resettling as part of OAW with Afghan Humanitarian Parole may be eligible for federally funded benefits, such as cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Medicaid health insurance through NJ FamilyCare; and food assistance through the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJSNAP). They may also be eligible for other resettlement benefits such case management, employment preparation, job placement, English language training, and other services through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and provided by local agencies. Eligibility for these programs depends on a variety of factors, including income level and household composition.

Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) 

Certain individuals are granted a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) or SQ/SI parole by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Afghans granted an SIV or SQ/SI parole for their service to the U.S. government are eligible for ORR benefits. For more information on the Afghan program, visit: Benefits for Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holders or SQ/SI Parolees FACT SHEET