August 2023 marks two years since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. What has happened in this time to Afghans who fled or sought to flee their country, to escape persecution from the Taliban? What has happened in the wake of U.S. promises to take care of our allies and their families?
Despite sustained efforts by the U.S. government, refugee resettlement agencies, non-profit organizations, civic groups and communities across the U.S., countless Afghan families — including those who managed to flee their homeland and enter the U.S. — face continued uncertainties. Humanitarian parole granted by the U.S. government to many Afghans does not provide a pathway to legal permanent residency. Many people who made it to the U.S. still have extensive family in Afghanistan or stuck in limbo in neighboring countries. And even when people reach safe havens, the road to economic self-sufficiency and cultural integration is long and arduous.
The two-year milestone has inspired thoughtful investigation and commentary on the circumstances of Afghans who now live in the U.S. To better understand the experiences of displaced Afghans and the factors that contribute to the uncertainties that many still face, we recommend:
- Two years on, what has happened to Afghan evacuees? (The New Humanitarian)
- Afghan Adjustment Act of 2023 (Immigration Impact)
- An act of Congress could grant legal status to thousands of Afghan allies. What’s the holdup? (Vox)
- How temporary immigration status has affected Afghan evacuees in the U.S. (Urban Institute)
- Afghan Adjustment Act will enable families like mine to find stability, opportunity in America (The Hill, Op-ed)
- This is how the U.S. is treating Afghans who helped us (Washington Post, Op-ed)
- The Biden administration and Congress must do more for the Afghans seeking new lives in America (San Diego Union-Tribune, Op-ed)
Additionally, join The Episcopal Church’s Office of Governmental Relations and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America on Wednesday, August 23, at 6 pm ET, for a webinar entitled “Two Years Later: Fulfilling Our Promise to our Afghan Allies and Neighbors.” Information and registration here.
