The Biden administration expanded a program helping Afghan allies leave the country as Taliban violence increases, the State Department said Monday.

The program was expanded to a “Priority 2” designation allowing “many thousands of” Afghan allies and their family members at risk of Taliban retribution a chance to permanently resettle in the U.S., according to the State Department. The program was previously open to allies with Special Immigrant Visas and the designation opens the opportunity to Afghans who aren’t eligible for the visa because of employment or time-in-service requirements.

“The U.S. objective remains a peaceful, secure Afghanistan,” the State Department said in a statement. “However, in light of increased levels of Taliban violence, the U.S. government is working to provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the United States, the opportunity for refugee resettlement to the United States.”

NEW: Biden administration now designating Afghan allies who aren’t eligible for SIV visas for Priority 2 (P2), making it easier for them to obtain refugee status. pic.twitter.com/svXSIVgSxu

— Ben Schamisso (@schamisso) August 2, 2021

Afghans who worked for a U.S.-funded program, a U.S.-based media organization or non-governmental organization, or who were local interpreters or translators for U.S. forces are now eligible for the program, according to the State Department.

The first group of 221 Afghan allies removed from the country arrived in Fort Lee, Virginia, on Friday, the AP reported. Most of the group worked as translators for U.S. officials and some 2,500 more allies are expected to arrive in the U.S. soon. (RELATED: Over 200 Afghan Allies Arrive On First Of Many Expected Flights To Bring Thousands To The US)

Around 4,000 other allies will be reallocated to other countries pending their security screening as U.S. troops withdraw from Afghanistan, according to the AP. Some 20,000 Afghans reportedly said they were interested in the program.

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