Extended legal protections for Afghans sought in US House discharge petition

WASHINGTON — Colorado Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, a military veteran, is making an attempt during Congress’ lame-duck session to provide legal protections for Afghanistan immigrants who aided the U.S. military for years, but now face swift deportations. Earlier this week, Crow filed a discharge petition. If he gains 218 signatures, he can force a House vote on his measure, H.R. 9899, which would allow certain Afghan nationals to qualify for Temporary Protected Status until July 2029. So far, the discharge petition has 114 backers, with two Republicans, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Don Bacon of Nebraska, on board. There are 218 Republicans, 214 Democrats and one independent in the House. “After more than two decades of war, we made a promise that we’d look after them. It’s both a moral and national security imperative that we keep that promise,” Crow said in a statement.

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