SJR55: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4134/1

SD:emw

2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE

2021 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 55

July 21, 2021 - Introduced by Senators Jacque, L. Taylor and Darling, cosponsored by Representatives Rozar, Armstrong and Murphy. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR55,1,2 Relating to: commemorating Afghan interpreters and urging the federal government to fulfill its responsibility in ensuring their safety.

SJR55,1,6 Whereas, in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush signed a resolution authorizing the use of military force against nations, organizations, or persons responsible for the 9/11 attacks—namely, al Qaeda and the Taliban government; and

SJR55,1,8 Whereas, on October 7, 2001, the United States launched military operations in Afghanistan against al Qaeda and the Taliban government; and

SJR55,1,11 Whereas, on May 1, 2021, the United States announced the final and formal withdrawal of all U.S. military forces from Afghanistan, which is planned to be completed by September 11, 2021, on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks; and

SJR55,1,15 Whereas, since 2001, numerous Afghan interpreters worked closely alongside the United States and its allied forces in Afghanistan, risking the lives of their families and themselves to provide lifesaving assistance to American troops for nearly two decades; and

SJR55,2,3 Whereas, since 2006, Congress has enacted a number of legislative provisions that provide a pathway for Afghan interpreters and translators, and their families, to immigrate to the United States; and

SJR55,2,6 Whereas, in 2009, Congress passed the Afghan Allies Protection Act, which established a Special Immigrant Visa Program for Afghans who had worked with the U.S. government and were in danger as a consequence of their employment; and

SJR55,2,9 Whereas, currently, around 18,000 Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program applications are still pending with the U.S. Department of State, affecting an estimated 70,000 Afghans if applicants' family members are included; and

SJR55,2,12 Whereas, as the formal withdrawal date from Afghanistan rapidly approaches, the lives of thousands of Afghan interpreters and their families are at risk of retaliation by the Taliban; now, therefore, be it

SJR55,2,16 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That members of the Wisconsin Legislature join in honoring the heroic contributions of Afghan interpreters and calling upon the federal government to fulfill its promise to ensure their safety.

SJR55,2,17 (End)