H.R. 7759 — Afghanistan Vetting and Accountability Act of 2026

This section establishes verification, vetting, database, reporting, certification, audit, and eligibility restriction requirements, administered by the Secretary of Homeland Security, for individuals evacuated from Afghanistan (i.e., non-U.S. citizen, non-military personnel conveyed to the United States in coordination with the U.S. government from January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2022, including those under Operation Allies Welcome). It directs the Secretary to verify personal and biometric information and conduct in-person vetting of each such individual; develop and maintain a database tracking their personal information, biometrics, U.S. criminal records since entry, applications for or receipt of unemployment compensation or Federal means-tested public benefits (as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1613), and vetting status; submit quarterly reports to Congress until certification detailing compliance, including lists of individuals, their vetting and benefit status, available criminal records from Afghanistan or the United States, and estimated completion timelines; and submit a certification to Congress within 30 days after completing all required vetting. It further requires the Government Accountability Office to audit and report to Congress on the Secretary's compliance within two years of enactment and within one year of certification. (Thus, unevetted individuals evacuated from Afghanistan are ineligible for unemployment compensation or any Federal means-tested public benefit until they provide personal and biometric information and undergo in-person vetting.)