August marks the 1-year anniversary of the US military withdrawal and the historic evacuation effort following the fall of the Afghan government. From August 15-30, the US military airlifted an unprecedented 120,000 US citizens, citizens of our allies, and Afghan allies out of Kabul. About 76,000 Afghans fled to the US or American military sites abroad during the operation, and another 9,000 are reported to have left Afghanistan since September 1, 2021. One year later, there has been progress but much work remains.

According to my contacts at resettlement agencies, tens of thousands of Afghans are still living on "lily pads" (military bases abroad) awaiting authorization and final transport to the US under humanitarian parole. This article from the end of June tells of the situation at one such lily pad in the UAE. (In short, the quality of life as a "guest" on these military installments is not great. Officials point out they are free to leave independently - they are not in detention - but where would they go? Their only opportunity for help with resettlement as they are entitled is through this program. If they walk away from the base, they walk away from the opportunity to move forward in the program.) As an update to that article, it is confirmed that flights from Abu Dhabi will indeed continue through the end of September. Needless to say, it has surely been a long year for those awaiting resettlement at the lily pads overseas. Keep them and those who make decisions about their future in your prayers.

For those in the first wave who stayed on bases here in the US (such as Fort McCoy), life remains challenging and full of anxiety about the future. As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, humanitarian parole does not guarantee permanent legal status. Although they are refugees in the colloquial sense, they do not have the protections of other refugees until they receive asylum. This article from The Atlanta Journal and this one from Spectrum News in Wisconsin both highlight the challenges Afghans live with everyday as the uncertainty of their future looms over them.

While we would hope our current or a future White House administration will not allow TPS to run out and threaten Afghans with deportation, it is a legal possibility without asylum (which also happens to be the most difficult path to US citizenship). There are also concerns about vulnerability at the time of renewal of humanitarian parole. Due to the high legal standards of parole, even a misdemeanor on one's record could deem them ineligible to renew when the current parole runs out. What happens then? What of those whose children and spouses were unable to navigate the chaotic and dangerous journey through the Kabul streets and airport during those two weeks a year ago? What of others who were left behind? Having permanent lawful status would open pathways for family reunification. As long as legal status remains a question, so too does the likelihood of seeing their loved ones safe and at their side.

So what can we do, one year in? First, we can stay focused and continue to learn about and pray about the ongoing resettlement efforts of our Afghan allies here and abroad. More Afghans are arriving from lily pads through our state agencies. Reach out to an agency near you to ask what they need and how you and your church can help. If you would like assistance in making that connection or discerning ways your congregation might best support the agency and those they serve, let's connect.

With so many crises capturing our national attention, it is important that voices like ours continue to speak up for our Afghan neighbors. Remind your friends, family, and congregation of the difficulties Afghans are facing within their country, at lily pads, and even after resettlement in our communities. Read and listen to their stories and imagine what their experience must be like. Imagine how you would hope a host country and new neighbor would receive you. Finally, help our country and your community to be that host and neighbor.

Church World Service offers this advocacy opportunity, along with this excellent tool kit for use during this month. Explore ways your church can learn about the issue, teach and motivate those in power to make a positive difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.

The Interfaith Immigration Coalition (of which many of our member denominations are a part) has a wealth of information, toolkits, and resources to engage your community and your lawmakers around multiple issues related to displacement. (This recent campaign guides you through sponsoring a vigil and visiting your legislators on the important issue of Title 42 and our Southern Border.)

One last resource for you is a toolkit from the Evacuate Our Allies coalition, dealing specifically with the critical Afghan Adjustment Act. Whatever your view of our elected leaders, it is my experience that most of them want to hear from their constituents and feel emboldened to support issues they know their communities care about. Whether it is a letter campaign from your congregation, a single letter signed by your leadership, or a personal visit or phone call to the local office, our collective voice makes a difference. Let your leaders know that you are aware of the issues our Afghan neighbors are facing and that you know there is a solution sitting on their desk. Encourage them to support refugee resettlement and ongoing efforts to clear a path for Afghans and other vulnerable people seeking a life of refuge and hope among us.

Rev. Peder Johanson (he/his)

Volunteer Coordinator, Afghan Refugee Response

Resettlement of Afghans from processing centers abroad continues through the organized system of resettlement, managed by the federal government. Prior to the beginning of this second wave, there were about 50,000 Afghans from the August '21 evacuation still being housed in military installments overseas, known as "lily pads." They are now arriving in Wisconsin via the normal refugee pipeline, but are still being resettled through the separate Afghan Placement and Assistance Program. Consider how you and your church can assist the nearest agency in meeting these needs. As the fiscal year comes to a close, we can expect an influx of refugees over the next 2-3 months.

Affordable Housing is a need everywhere, but particularly for refugees. One issue is the difficulty in finding adequate housing upon arrival.

Another issue is that as agencies and support organizations scramble to locate and secure a new home, sometimes the short term needs to take priority over the long term. In other words, after rental assistance funds run out, and families become more established, they may find it in their best interest to relocate. There are efforts underway by various groups to help with moving costs and logistics, but we foresee this becoming a greater need as refugees approach the 1-year mark in the coming months. Here is an article about how this situation is playing out in neighboring Minnesota. While I do not know of evictions happening in Wisconsin, that is an issue across the country. I'll say more about this in the coming weeks, but this is an example of how successful resettlement requires the support of the whole local community - not just the professional agencies. How do we, as followers of Jesus, lead the way in modeling this welcome and care of the neighbor?

Dental Care is such an important component of our overall health, and many Afghans have had serious dental needs upon resettlement. Unfortunately, Badgercare reimbursement rates are so low for emergency dental services that this care has been difficult to get. WCC donated $5,000 to a dental fund at LSS last Spring and are exploring further support to this important cause. Please consider making a gift to our program or holding a fundraiser at your church to help cover emergency dental care for Afghans in Wisconsin. Your proceeds can go directly to the nearest resettlement agency or through our Afghan Refugee Response program.

From our partners at the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee

LSS has a partner with 5 more apartments for future refugee arrivals in need of cleaning and painting. With the hiring shortages currently being felt across the economy, these units sit empty and unavailable until the work can be done. Paint, some supplies, and lunch will be provided, but volunteers are needed to prepare these new homes.

The apartments are 2-bedroom (about 5 rooms total) and groups must plan to complete their unit in a single day or over two consecutive days. 8-12 people is recommended. If you or your leaders would like to discuss this opportunity further, contact Rev. Peder Johanson.

North West Wisconsin - Welcoming New Neighbors, an interfaith community coalition based in Eau Claire, is working with Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin to resettle Afghans in Eau Claire. Contact Rev. Peder Johanson to be connected with their leadership.

East-Central Wisconsin - Catholic Charities in Green Bay is resettling Afghans in and around Green Bay. World Relief is resettling Afghans in Appleton and Oshkosh and offer several ways to support the effort there.

Central Wisconsin - New Beginnings for Refugees is a new resettlement agency located in Wausau, under the direction of ECDC. They are resettling families in and around Wausau, including Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wisconsin Rapids.

South West Wisconsin - Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Inc (SWCAP) is working with Church World Service to resettle Afghan families in and around Platteville. For more information and to discuss how your church can support their work, contact Rev. Peder Johanson.

South Central Wisconsin - Jewish Social Services is a resettlement agency located in Madison. With the support of volunteers through Open Doors For Refugees, they are resettling families and individuals in and around Madison. Visit opendoorsforrefugees.org to learn how you and/or your congregation to volunteer.

South East Wisconsin - Lutheran Social Services is resettling and supporting Afghans primarily in Milwaukee and within a 100 mile radius. They rely on cosponsors and volunteers for much of the support to the resettlement effort and care of refugees. International Institute of Wisconsin is also resettling Afghans in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition provides services and support to the refugee communities in Milwaukee.

Madison-area refugees are able to apply for funds and support for education and career development as part of our Skill Development Initiative.

Those interested in furthering their English language proficiency, pursuing higher education, developing vocational skills, or starting or growing a business are eligible to apply in 2022 for mini-grants from the American Rescue Plan grant awarded to ODFR.

Applicants may also request funds to cover transportation or child care expenses if these are obstacles to enrolling in a class or program. Click here for more information.

*Not all requests can be honored. Find the online application form here.

Active volunteers, cosponsor team members, and others interested in engaging with one another around refugee resettlement are invited to our private Facebook Group.

For education and worship resources, volunteer opportunities, and to give a donation towards the WCC effort in helping refugees from Afghanistan, visit our website.

This work is possible because of generous donations from judicatories, churches, and individuals.

Choose "Afghan Refugee Relief" in the fund drop-down menu.