Support for Afghan allies outside the United States

(a) Response to congressional inquiries The Secretary of State shall respond to inquiries by Members of Congress regarding the status of a specified application submitted by, or on behalf of, a national of Afghanistan, including any information that has been provided to the applicant, in accordance with section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1202(f)). (b) Office in lieu of embassy During the period in which there is no operational United States embassy in Afghanistan, the Secretary of State shall designate an appropriate office within the Department of State— (1) to review specified applications submitted by nationals of Afghanistan residing in Afghanistan, including by conducting any required interviews; (2) to issue visas or other travel documents to such nationals, in accordance with the immigration laws; (3) to provide services to such nationals, to the greatest extent practicable, that would normally be provided by an embassy; and (4) to carry out any other function the Secretary of State considers necessary.