Congress has eliminated a key visa pathway for Afghan partners of the United States, The New York Times reports, closing off one of the main legal routes through which Afghans who supported American efforts could reach US soil.

The decision by Congress removes a route that advocates had treated as a central lifeline for Afghans with ties to US institutions. The New York Times, which broke the story, describes the move as shutting down "a key path" for this population.

What does the change mean?

The congressional action ends visa access for Afghan partners under the affected programme. In practical terms, Afghans who might have qualified through this route can no longer use it, and the universe of remaining options narrows considerably.

The report frames the outcome as a significant contraction of US commitments to Afghans who worked alongside American personnel and programmes.

Who is affected?

The group at the centre of the story consists of Afghan partners of the United States — individuals whose connection to US efforts had made them eligible for, or candidates for, the now-eliminated pathway.

Because Congress acted through legislation, the change comes from lawmakers rather than from an executive-branch agency, which limits the options for reversing it through administrative action alone.

What should affected readers do?

Passport File does not provide individual legal advice. Readers with pending cases or potential eligibility questions should consult a licensed US immigration attorney and monitor official channels — Congress.gov and the US Department of State — for the text of the measure and any implementing guidance.

This article will be updated as further details of the legislation, including its effective date and transition provisions, become publicly available.

Passport File's earlier coverage of US pathways for Afghan nationals remains available in our immigration desk archive.