Statement from the U.S. Embassy Prishtina, September 4, 2021

The United States is grateful to Kosova for its role in assisting with the enormous task of relocating tens of thousands of Afghan citizens to the United States and to other countries, including NATO partners, that have offered permanent homes to Afghans at risk.   Kosova’s role in this endeavor is a tribute to the compassion and generosity of its people and to Kosova’s growing role on the global stage.

The process through which Afghans apply for special immigrant visas or refugee status in the U.S. is complex, and some applicants are still in the process of obtaining needed documents and providing all the information required to qualify under U.S law for immediate entry.

Some media reports have left readers with the incorrect impression that the United States intends to transfer to Kosova individuals whom U.S. authorities have deemed inadmissible to the United States.  This is not the case.

The agreement between the United States and Kosova allows the United States to temporarily host at Camp Bondsteel, a limited number of Afghan citizens whose applications require additional processing.  This may involve such tasks as clarifying applicants’ identity, employment history, or other ties to the United States.  American Embassy officers in Kosova are assisting with the process.