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B Stands for Backing
Good morning,
Despite calls to extend the evacuation process, U.S. troops completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan on Tuesday, marking the end of the 20-year war. The last week has been filled with heartbreaking reports about those left behind and the escalating violence breaking out in the country. Uncertainty and instability looms for vulnerable Afghans still in the country, including those who assisted the U.S. military, with the Taliban now in control.
Contrary to the narrative that the U.S. is letting Afghans into the country without proper vetting, there is a thorough security process each person must undergo before being admitted into the U.S. In addition to undergoing biometric and biographical screening prior to boarding their flight, Afghan nationals are vetted again upon arrival, and any flagged for concern undergo additional security processing.
Those cleared for stay in the U.S. still have a tough road ahead of them. Refugee resettlement organizations across the country have had little time to prepare for these new arrivals, and many are still recovering from the impact COVID-19 has had on their staffing levels and budget. Securing housing for Afghan refugees is an essential but difficult task, and it is common to see large refugee families, including extended family members, share a small apartment or house. Without rental histories, Social Security numbers or steady income, many landlords are hesitant to rent to refugees, limiting the
options for affordable housing. Even with these challenges, local agencies are eager to receive new refugees.
Local churches and communities across the country are stepping in to help coordinate housing, furnishings, transportation and donations for arriving Afghans. Chitra Hanstad, Executive Director of World Relief Seattle, so far has 260 people signed up to provide host homes: "We are seeing people step up
for temporary housing. We also see folks that have mother-in-law units and that have Airbnb that they are willing to rent out permanently." In West Michigan, Bethany Christian Services has seen a similar response from local communities, which will soon be welcoming approximately 100 Afghans. Churches in the city of Las Cruces, NM are used to helping
migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, but are now also helping Afghan refugees arriving at nearby Holloman Air Force Base. The Vietnamese-American community has also been active in supporting Afghan refugees, reflecting their experience after the Vietnam War.
As harmful rhetoric and misinformation about Afghan refugees continues, we are encouraged by the response of these communities. We also appreciate state leaders, including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Gov. Eric J. Holcomb of Indiana, who are speaking up and offering assistance. It will take a dedicated effort by all of us to welcome these deserving Afghan allies to their new homes.
Stay healthy and hopeful,
Adam
P.S. For our readers who are people of faith, we invite you to join our friends at World Relief, Women of Welcome and We Welcome Refugees for a "Prayer and Action Townhall for Haiti and Afghanistan" with special guest Ann Voskamp today (Thursday, September 2) at 4pm ET. You’ll hear the latest updates on what is happening on the ground and how you can pray and help meet the needs of struggling Haitians and Afghans. Please register for this virtual event and help spread the word!
Adam Estle
Vice President of Field and Constituencies
National Immigration Forum
NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:
ABC NEWS: Amid Afghanistan chaos, refugee vetting process is sound
CHRISTIANITY TODAY: Let the Afghan Refugees Come Unto Me
ASSOCIATED PRESS: Mexico: help for US on migrants "can’t go on forever"
USA TODAY: 'They should say yes': Advocates see hope in GOP governors offering Afghan refugees aid
MORNING CONSULT: Reforming Our High-Skill Immigration System Is a National Security Imperative
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