New York, NY, November 17, 2022 —  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Airbnb, DoorDash, and several other leading American employers are urging Congress to pass the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act ahead of the congressional budget talks this December. They join governors of both political parties, veterans’ service organizations, faith groups, refugee advocates, and Americans across the country in support of this legislation. 

In a letter sent to Congress today, employers and business associations across the U.S. emphasized the contributions that Afghans are already making to the social and economic fabric of the country after being in the U.S. for little over a year, and that supporting the Afghan Adjustment Act is not only morally right but also makes economic sense. New IRC data has revealed that Afghans are projected to contribute $1.4 billion in earnings and nearly $200 million in taxes in their first year of employment alone. 

The signers of the letter range from large national corporations to small businesses and chambers of commerce urging the passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would create a pathway to permanent status for more than 78,000 Afghans evacuated to the U.S. in late 2021 and 2022. Currently, Afghans who arrived as part of this effort are only allowed to stay in the U.S. for a period of up to two years. 
 

Jonathan Baselice, Vice President of Immigration Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The Chamber enthusiastically supports the Afghan Adjustment Act. The bill will provide much needed stability and certainty for our Afghan allies that are building their lives here in the U.S. We urge Members of the House and the Senate to swiftly enact this legislation before the end of this Congress.” 


JC Hendrickson, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at the International Rescue Committee, said:

“America has a long tradition of bipartisan support for refugees since they have made the U.S. stronger and better for generations. Now, leading employers and associations join the widespread support for the Afghan Adjustment Act that we have seen over the last several months. From businesses to elected leaders, to veterans and everyday Americans, there is broad agreement that this bill is not just necessary, but essential for our new Afghan neighbors. It's time for Congress to get this done.”