The Possibility Of Sibling Deployment: A Look At Military Families

Deployment to Afghanistan is a challenging and dangerous task, with varying living conditions and limited access to amenities and communication. It is not uncommon for military members to be deployed to Afghanistan, and in some cases, they may even choose to get married during their deployment. While it is possible for siblings to both be deployed to Afghanistan, it is unclear if there are specific policies or procedures in place that would allow or prevent this from happening. However, it is essential to prioritize operational security and avoid sharing or asking for specific locations to maintain the safety of the deployed individuals.

Military personnel marrying while deployed in Afghanistan

Military personnel can marry while deployed in Afghanistan, but it is a complicated process. Military chaplains do not perform marriage ceremonies in combat zones, so soldiers wishing to marry must find alternative ways to wed. One option is a double-proxy marriage, in which the couple is represented by two designated proxies who obtain and complete the necessary state forms and licenses online. A non-denominational preacher officiates the marriage, and the couple receives a legal marriage certificate in the mail a few weeks later. Another option is an online marriage, which has been legal in all 50 US states since 2020. However, it is important to note that almost no military personnel receive leave while on assignment, and the chances of getting permission for marriage during deployment are slim.

In the case of Sgt. Drew Fidler and Spc. Michelle Williams, both stationed at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, the couple opted for a double-proxy marriage through the state of Montana. They celebrated with an impromptu wedding reception on the rooftop of the Joint Operation Center building, with a small group of friends and co-workers in attendance. While their marriage was legally recognised, they also planned to have a ceremony on a beach in Florida within the next few years to celebrate with their family.

It is worth noting that military marriage laws and rules vary by country. For example, in Sweden, military veterans who served in Afghanistan were more likely to divorce and less likely to marry after deployment compared to non-deployed civilian comparators. Additionally, child marriage is prevalent in Afghanistan, with up to 57% of girls married before the age of 19, often due to poverty and a lack of education.

Immigration options for US citizens with Afghan family members

If you are a US citizen:

Your spouse, children, and parents may be eligible to immigrate to the US immediately. You may also petition for your siblings and unmarried adult children, who may immigrate once a visa is available.

If you are a lawful permanent resident:

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, and unmarried adult sons and daughters may be eligible to immigrate to the US.

If you obtained lawful permanent residency through the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program:

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to immigrate to the US through the SIV program.

If you are a refugee or asylee:

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible to immigrate to the US.

If you are a parolee:

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible for admission to the US as refugees.

US visa application process for Afghan family members

The visa application process for Afghan family members depends on the citizenship and immigration status of the applicant. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process for each category:

US Citizens:

If you are a US citizen, your spouse, children, and parents may be eligible to immigrate to the United States immediately. US citizens can also petition for their siblings and unmarried adult children, who may immigrate once a visa is available. The process begins by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The National Visa Center (NVC) will then contact your family members to apply for their immigrant visas. The speed of their interview will depend on their visa category. Additional steps may be required, such as filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to demonstrate your financial ability to sponsor your family.

Lawful Permanent Residents:

If you are a lawful permanent resident, your spouse, unmarried children under 21, and unmarried adult sons and daughters may be eligible to immigrate to the United States. The process is similar to that for US citizens, beginning with filing Form I-130. If you became a lawful permanent resident through the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, your family members may have additional immigration options. They can be processed as SIV "follow-to-join" family members if they were included in your original SIV application.

Refugees or Asylees:

If you hold refugee or asylee status, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You initiate the process by filing Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, with USCIS. If approved, the Department of State or USCIS will contact your family members to continue their application. The US government may offer departure assistance for your family members, who will require a valid passport.

Parolees:

If you were paroled into the United States and remain a parolee, or were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) after entering, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for admission as refugees. If you were under 18 upon arrival, entered after August 14, 2021, and have a parent or legal guardian outside the US, they may also be eligible for admission as refugees. You initiate the process by filing Form DS-4317, Family Reunification Assistance for Afghan Parolees. The US government may offer departure assistance for your family members, who will require a valid passport.

Nonimmigrant Visas:

For nonimmigrant visas, such as tourism or business, the process begins with completing the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. You will need to schedule an interview appointment and submit your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, a 2x2 inch color photo, and the required forms. Additional documentation may be requested to establish your qualifications, such as evidence of your trip's purpose, intent to depart the US, and ability to pay for the trip. During the interview, a consular officer will determine your visa eligibility and category. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are typically taken during the interview. After the interview, you will pay the visa issuance fee and return to collect your passport and visa.

US departure assistance for Afghan family members

The U.S. government has committed to helping U.S. citizens and Afghans in the United States reunite with their family members who remain in Afghanistan. The first step is the immigration process. The U.S. government may be able to offer departure assistance for your spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents. The Department of State will contact your family members with departure options after the National Visa Center (NVC) has notified your family members that their immigrant visa applications are ready for an interview. If the U.S. government can help your family members depart Afghanistan, they will travel to a country where they can complete the immigrant visa process. Your family members will require a valid passport.

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) should not travel to Afghanistan to accompany eligible family members for relocation. More information on relocation for family members is available on the Afghan Family Reunification webpage.

The U.S. government is also taking every available measure to assist Afghans who are at risk, particularly those who worked for or with the U.S. or have supported international efforts, and has established mechanisms to help Afghans at risk receive protection from potential retaliation or harm. The two key mechanisms to support Afghans who are at risk because of their affiliation with the United States are the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and priority referrals to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program is available to individuals who have worked as translators, interpreters, or other professionals employed by or on behalf of the United States government in Afghanistan. Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of a primary SIV applicant are also eligible for SIVs.

The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) includes the Afghan Priority-2 (P-2, Special Groups of Concern) Program. Afghans eligible for the P-2 program include those who work/worked for the U.S. government but may not qualify for a SIV because they do not have qualifying employment, those who work/worked on U.S. government-funded programs or projects, and those who worked for U.S.-based NGOs and media organizations.

Living conditions for Marines deployed in Afghanistan

In 2021, as the Taliban rapidly advanced across Afghanistan, the living conditions for Marines became even more challenging. Around 2,000 Marines were sent to Kabul to secure the evacuation of Americans and at-risk allies. They faced dangerous and unpredictable situations, with imminent danger pay likely. The Marines' mission was to establish and guard the perimeter around the Kabul airport, and they played a crucial role in evacuating vulnerable Afghans and Americans from the country.

Marines are known for their adaptability and have deployed in various climates and environments, from the frigid arctic to desert heat. They are well-trained and equipped to handle challenging living conditions, often having to sacrifice comfort for the sake of their mission.

Communication with deployed Marines can be difficult and sporadic due to limited access to email and phones. When sending packages, it is recommended to keep them small and frequent, as storage space may be minimal, and the Marine may move frequently. It is also important to respect operational security and refrain from sharing specific camp names or locations.

Frequently asked questions