Why Resettlement Agencies Need Increased Resources to Continue Helping Afghan Refugees

Over the last few months, the situation in Afghanistan has led to an influx of Afghan refugees seeking resettlement in the United States. As of the first week of October, 7,000 Afghan refugees have already been screened, vetted, and granted admission to the U.S. where they’ve been matched with resettlement agencies to help them find a new community to live in. 

However, as of October 12th, almost 70,000 more Afghans are waiting to be vetted at U.S. military bases, both in America and overseas. Due to the time-sensitive nature of events leading to the influx of refugees, the U.S. Department of State announced on August 2nd a Priority 2 (P-2) designation that granted U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) access for particular Afghan nationals. 

This designation has expanded opportunities for thousands of Afghans and their families to permanently resettle in the United States, including access for Afghan refugees who would not normally be eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). 

Once the Afghan refugees have been vetted, processed, and admitted to the U.S., they are connected with a resettlement agency. Resettlement agencies play a crucial role in the resettlement process. These agencies—normally nonprofit organizations—sponsor refugees that have been approved for admission to the United States. 

But, on account of the expedited method of processing and the sheer number of refugees, these agencies are being stretched thin. Many resettlement agencies do not have the necessary resources to meet the demand for refugee placement.

The U.S.’s resettlement infrastructure has been overwhelmed by the number of Afghan refugees seeking permanent relocation, but a creative new program was implemented that will allow groups of private citizens to sponsor Afghan refugees. This is a great way to help fill the gaps in the resettlement process and could be a complementary program to government sponsorship moving into the future. 

But, resettlement agencies still need increased resources and support in order to continue helping the growing number of Afghan refugees reach their new communities and start their new lives there.

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including Afghan refugees currently in need. Its national member in the U.S. is the Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), whose resettlement network includes over 100 diocesan offices. 

Together with our partner agencies, we are working on providing assistance to Afghan refugees, as well as calling on governments around the world to provide immediate support to all Afghans in need of protection. Find out how you can make a difference and help Afghan refugees today!

About the International Catholic Migration Commission

The International Catholic Migration Commission is a nonprofit organization that protects, serves, and advocates for displaced people throughout the world. We help refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants of all faiths, races, and ethnicities forge lives in safety and dignity.

With support from people like you, ICMC delivers humanitarian aid and social development, protects vulnerable migrants, contributes to refugee resettlement efforts, advocates before governments, and partners with civic leaders. We seek a sustainable solution to dangerous migration and refugee crises.

Find out more by visiting our website.