This bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to verify the personal and biometric information of all individuals evacuated from Afghanistan between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2022, excluding U.S. citizens and military members. It mandates in-person vetting for these individuals and the creation of a comprehensive database. This database must include their personal and biometric data, any criminal records since entering the U.S., and information regarding applications for or receipt of unemployment compensation or Federal means-tested public benefits. The Secretary is also required to submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing compliance with these vetting requirements until all individuals have been verified, followed by a certification of completion. These reports must include vetting status, benefit receipt, and criminal records. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct audits of the Secretary's compliance. A key provision states that any Afghan evacuee who does not provide the necessary personal and biometric information or submit to in-person vetting will be prohibited from receiving unemployment compensation or any Federal means-tested public benefit .
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Afghanistan Vetting and Accountability Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-7759| House
| Updated: 3/3/2026
This bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to verify the personal and biometric information of all individuals evacuated from Afghanistan between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2022, excluding U.S. citizens and military members. It mandates in-person vetting for these individuals and the creation of a comprehensive database. This database must include their personal and biometric data, any criminal records since entering the U.S., and information regarding applications for or receipt of unemployment compensation or Federal means-tested public benefits. The Secretary is also required to submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing compliance with these vetting requirements until all individuals have been verified, followed by a certification of completion. These reports must include vetting status, benefit receipt, and criminal records. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct audits of the Secretary's compliance. A key provision states that any Afghan evacuee who does not provide the necessary personal and biometric information or submit to in-person vetting will be prohibited from receiving unemployment compensation or any Federal means-tested public benefit .