The situation for Afghans continues to be a challenge on multiple fronts. Asylum cases are being processed, but despite government efforts to prioritize requests from Afghan evacuees, the system remains slow and overburdened with inefficiencies. This article gives a good summary of the background and an update to this crucial step in securing a new start for our Afghan neighbors. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, WCC has been able to share significant funds with organizations in Wisconsin assisting Afghans with legal services.

As stated in the article linked above, the Afghan Adjustment Act would provide much needed solutions to both the security screening concerns held by some members of congress, and the long waiting periods endured by applicants. Please continue to advocate for the passage of the AAA.

We can assume that every Afghan who has made it to the US as part of the historic evacuation in 2021 (and in the limited airlifts since) has had to leave loved ones behind. This is a very difficult reality for everyone who called/calls Afghanistan home. Not only is the country suffering multiple humanitarian crises related to natural disaster, violence, hunger, and supply shortages, but under the leadership of the Taliban, it is once again considered the worst place in the world to be a woman. The Atlantic offers this article with an Afghan perspective of all that has changed since the fall of Kabul. While difficult to read about, it is important for us to bear witness to the reality endured by those in Afghanistan and those resettled among us. For a more local perspective, this article (and the accompanying video) features a young Afghan woman now living and studying at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Another ongoing challenge is availability of affordable housing. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published this story last week, specifically addressing how the housing shortage has impacted refugees and the people and organizations who support them. It is worthwhile to read it if you can. Included in the article is a plea from state agencies to help in this effort. If you are a landlord or know of available housing that may serve a refugee family, please reach out to the appropriate agency in your area. They rely largely on landlords with whom they have worked and developed a relationship previously, as well as individuals who have a special interest in helping refugees establish a new life here in Wisconsin.

Some new solutions are emerging to respond to the growing global population of displaced people, now over 100million people. As I wrote about last week, the US has employed an alternative model for community sponsorship of Ukrainians, as well as opportunities to assist with Afghans. As the Biden Administration has committed to 125,000 refugee admissions for 2023, it is looking to expand on that model. A pilot program to match private sponsors with traditional refugees overseas is expected to begin by the end of 2022. This is a return to the way resettlement happened years ago, before the government moved to work exclusively with professional agencies. This would not be a replacement for our current system, but an addition to it, and will open resettlement opportunities to everyone, regardless of geography. Of course, not every location is ideal for refugees - access to services and other refugees is crucially helpful - but this may be the beginning of a significant shift, not only in our country's refugee response, but in our cultural identity as well.

Finally, the US is already expanding upon the success of Uniting for Ukraine to allow the entry of 24,000 Venezuelans with US sponsors. This new program utilizes humanitarian parole (as with Ukrainians) to provide temporary relocation to the US and has some restrictions. It will also expand Title 42 to Venezuelans, allowing for immediate deportation of asylum seekers who cross the border unlawfully. While the government claims such measures will help steer Venezuelans towards the new program, there are concerns. Many who have been attempting to seek asylum would be deemed ineligible, for example, if they have a deportation on their record in the last five years or cross into Panama, Mexico, or the US unlawfully since the program has been announced. In response to the announcement, Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service said:

As always, thank you for your attention to the needs of our Afghan and refugee neighbors. If you or your congregation would like to explore opportunities to serve, feel free to reach out any time.

adapted from post by Sandra Whitehead

Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition’s Be-a-Buddy Program, a project to connect re-settled Afghan children and teens with American peers, starts again Oct. 1 with its original successful formula and a new component—a sewing circle for Afghan and American women.

MMWC’s Be-a-Buddy Program consists of workshops from 1 – 4 p.m. every other Saturday beginning Oct. 1 at Hamilton High School, 6215 W. Warnimont Ave., Milwaukee. Afghan and American youth, most ages 10 – 16, will join together in recreation, reading and team building activities, games, sports and art. “We will do some tutoring and homework, and focus on English,” said Youth Development Director, Rawand Yazaw. 

To volunteer, please call the MMWC at (414) 727-4900.

Or use the volunteer sign-up link,

or contact Yazaw via email at: ryazaw@mmwconline.org.

Do you know someone who can translate Pashto? The Catholic Multicultural Center in Madison is in need of additional translators as they prepare legal immigration/asylum applications for Afghans. If you can help them or refer someone to them, they'd greatly appreciate it! Contact:

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. Reach out to us if you need help facilitating those conversations.

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

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.

LSS has a partner with 3-5 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.

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.