First flight of Afghan interpreters fleeing Taliban arrives in U.S.

The first group of about 200 Afghans seeking refuge after aiding the U.S. military in their homeland arrived in the United States overnight and will finish their visa application process at Fort Lee in Virginia. President Biden was quick to welcome them.

The group of special immigration visa applicants consists of former interpreters and others who U.S. forces in the 20 -year war in Afghanistan. The applicants and their families are the furthest along in the immigrant visa process and only need a few days before relocating within the U.S., officials say.  About 750 principal applicants and their families are expected to come to the U.S. in coming weeks as part of the administration's Operation Allies Refuge, which is tasked with evacuating Afghans who face threats from the Taliban for helping the U.S.