Bill > S5375

This bill, known as the "Afghan Ally Records and Credential Heritage of 2026" or "ARCH Act," establishes a process for the Department of Defense to preserve records for certain at-risk Afghan allies. An "Afghan ally" is defined as an individual from Afghanistan who served for at least one year between December 22, 2001, and September 1, 2021, in support of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, and who was a member of specific Afghan security forces, a female member of other defense or interior entities, involved in intelligence or counterterrorism, a justice sector professional funded or trained by the U.S., or a senior military or civilian official. The Secretary of Defense must create a secure online system for applications, allowing individuals or their designees to submit information and supporting documents, even if located outside the United States. The review process will examine service records, internal Department of Defense data, and biometric information to verify eligibility. If an applicant is deemed an Afghan ally without significant derogatory information, their records will be preserved for future use. Applicants denied classification will receive written notice and an opportunity to appeal, with provisions for reopening their case once. This application process will terminate no earlier than 10 years after the bill's enactment, or when the Secretary of Defense determines it's in the national interest. The bill also prohibits fees for applications and exempts personnel working on this program from certain limitations.