ARCH Act

This bill, known as the Afghan Ally Records and Credential Heritage of 2026 or the ARCH Act, mandates the Department of Defense to establish a process for certain at-risk Afghan allies to preserve their service records. The primary goal is to create a secure system for individuals who served alongside the United States mission in Afghanistan to document their contributions for potential future use. This initiative aims to safeguard critical information for those who face significant risks due to their past affiliations. The legislation specifically defines an "Afghan ally" as a citizen or national of Afghanistan who served for at least one year between December 2001 and September 2021 in support of the U.S. mission. This includes members of specific Afghan special operations forces, the Afghan Air Force, female members of the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces, and individuals involved in intelligence, counterterrorism, or justice sector activities. The process requires the Secretary of Defense to establish an application system, including a secure online portal, allowing applicants or their designees to submit information and supporting documentation from outside the United States. Upon receiving an application, the Secretary of Defense must review the applicant's service record, internal Department of Defense data, biometrics, and any attestations from current or former U.S. officials. If an applicant is classified as an Afghan ally without significant derogatory information, a complete record of their application, service history, and biometrics will be preserved. The bill also outlines a review process for denied requests, requiring written notice of the denial's basis and providing the applicant an opportunity to submit a written appeal or request to reopen their case with additional information. The application process is set to terminate no earlier than 10 years after the bill's enactment, or when the Secretary of Defense determines it is in the national interest. Importantly, the bill prohibits the Department of Defense from charging any fees for classification or records preservation and allows applicants to be represented by an attorney or accredited representative at their own expense during the process.