Amending the Constitution to prohibit persons not United States citizens from voting in any election held within this state

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Clark and 9 co-sponsors

HJR 13 urges the U.S. President to resume evacuation flights and expedite processing for Afghan SIV holders and their families, ensuring their safety and legal protections.

To House Rules

Purpose and Intent

House Joint Resolution 13 (HJR 13) is a legislative measure introduced in the Alaska State Legislature that urges the President of the United States to enhance evacuation efforts for Afghan nationals who have been granted Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). The resolution seeks to address the ongoing challenges faced by these individuals, who risked their lives assisting U.S. forces during military operations in Afghanistan.

Key Provisions

HJR 13 includes several specific requests and recommendations:

Resumption of Evacuation Flights: The resolution urges the President to direct the Secretary of State to immediately resume evacuation flights for SIV applicants and their families from Afghanistan to designated third-party processing centers.

Expedited Processing: It calls for the expedited processing of SIV applications and the evacuation of applicants and their families from third-party host countries to the United States.

Legal Protections and Humanitarian Assistance: The resolution requests that the U.S. Department of State secure legal protections and humanitarian assistance for SIV applicants stranded in third-party countries, preventing forced deportations or detentions.

Reporting to Congress: HJR 13 requests that the Secretary of State provide a report to Congress within 60 days detailing efforts to reinstate evacuation flights and address logistical challenges.

Expedited Review of Applications: It urges the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to expedite the review of pending SIV applications.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects Afghan nationals who have been granted SIVs, as well as their families. These individuals are often at risk of persecution due to their association with U.S. military efforts. The resolution also impacts U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State and USCIS, which are tasked with implementing the proposed measures.

Procedural Aspects and Timeline

Introduced: February 7, 2025

Status: The resolution has been permanently filed as of July 16, 2025, after being adopted by both houses of the Alaska State Legislature.

Legislative Actions: The resolution underwent several committee reviews and amendments before its final adoption, reflecting a collaborative effort among various sponsors and supporters within the legislature.

Conclusion

HJR 13 serves as a formal expression of the Alaska State Legislature's commitment to supporting Afghan allies who assisted U.S. military operations. By urging federal action to facilitate their evacuation and resettlement, the resolution aims to honor the promises made to these individuals and ensure their safety and well-being.

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