As reported in the previous article, 400 Afghan Orphans at Risk of Abuse, there is good news along with an update on how we need to continue to pray for this ongoing situation.

Our prayers prevailed and the State Department took responsibility for the orphans rather than allowing them to be sent back to Afghanistan. However, there are still hurdles which require prayer.

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The orphans are still being housed in a neutral host country in the Middle East. Although there have been mountains of frustration and challenges, there is new hope as a door has opened to assist these Afghan refugees and orphans.

The E3 Foundation, an organization that helps sex-trafficking victims, restores combat veterans and fights for the vulnerable, contacted immigration attorneys on behalf of the orphans and together they been able to chart a legal path for the rescue of these Afghan women and children to come to the U.S. via a process known as Humanitarian Parole. There are currently 12,000 total refugees in this holding pattern. Efforts are underway to bring the refugees, of which 2400 are children under 18, to the United States via the Humanitarian Parole process. Of that number, Save Our Allies and the Red Crescent have stepped in and are now responsible for 3,900 including the 400+ orphans.

According to Kevin Metcalf, CEO of National Child Protective Task Force, “The way this path works is quite simple. An American must sponsor a vulnerable Afghan refugee and apply for Humanitarian Parole through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The H.P. application costs $575 and is currently being expedited for the Afghan orphans and others rescued and now waiting in a friendly Middle Eastern host country. The turnaround time for approval of an application is approximately 30-40 days. Once approved, the USCIS will send a travel document to the US Consulate in Abu Dhabi. The refugee is then cleared to get on a flight and come to the U.S.

“Once in the United States, they are eligible to apply for asylum. When approved, they will receive a green card and federal refugee benefits.”

Already there have been some who have committed to sponsorship of some of the young women and children. The goal is for all to be sponsored so they could be approved to come to the U.S. by November.

If you’re interested in learning more, sponsoring an individual or family, or assisting with this cause, you can donate or click on the link to either E3 or Save the Allies.

Prayer points:

1. Please pray for all of the organizations and volunteers who are working tirelessly behind the scenes as they continue to negotiate these waters with the immigration attorneys and the steps for Humanitarian Parole.
2. Please pray that each of the orphans and waiting refugees that they will all be properly vetted.
3. Pray for the needed sponsors and approval for the orphans, widows and other refugees trying to escape the horrors of Taliban retribution.
4. Please pray for the rescue of those still behind enemy lines.

Do you feel led to help? Share in the comments below, and add a prayer!

Karen Hardin is a literary agent and writer. She is the author of “Infected: How to Stop the Global Spread of Rage, Deception and Insanity” and “God’s Justice after Injustice.” Her work has been published in USA Today, Western Journal, World Net Daily, Intercessors for America, Charisma, CBN.com and more. She is also the co-founder of the city-by-city.org prayer movement to take back our cities and nation.

(Photo Credit: John Moore/Getty Images).