Helping Hands for Afghans: Welcoming Refugees

On August 15th, the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan following the removal of United States forces. The capital city of Kabul turned into chaos with thousands of citizens seeking safety rushing for the airport, the last stronghold of the US military. The entire world watched as we saw horrific images of desperate Afghans attempting to flee Taliban control. Afghanistan had fallen into a heart wrenching humanitarian crisis. The US military underwent an evacuation mission over 18 days. This mission was unprecedented and extremely dangerous. On August 26th, 2 suicide bombers took the lives of 13 US military service members, as well as 90 Afghan citizens. By August 31st, some 120,000 people were evacuated from the city via airlift. A majority of those evacuated were at-risk Afghans with an SIV (Special Immigrant Visa). SIV evacuees are interpreters, medical personnel and community members who served the U.S. government during the war in Afghanistan.

 

San Diego has been named as a "preferred destination" for Afghan refugees, with over 1,000 coming throughout the coming weeks.

 

Many believe that the evacuation is a cure-all for these Afghans. This is far from the truth. These immigrants fled the country with a single suitcase. Even more got out with nothing but the clothes on their back. These Afghans are now faced with the challenge of starting their new lives in a country where they know nothing about the language, customs, or cultures. They have no money. As the refugees wait for permanent housing, they have to pay out-of-pocket for a motel, draining the little bit of savings they have. This leaves very little money for food, transportation, clothing, etc. Every single $1 truly will make a difference to somebody's life. The trauma they have faced already is tremendous, and this transition can add to it. It is important to remember that these refugees are here because they helped the US throughout the war, therefore, it is our job to welcome them with open arms. 

 

This is a crisis that hits home for me as an Afghan-American. My mother was born in Kabul in 1970 and came to this country as a refugee. My grandmother also worked as a Wartime Interpreter in Afghanistan for the Marines just a few years ago. Below is a photo of her working with Afghan locals during her time on the ground.

This fundraiser is being done with the help of my fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi at San Diego State University. We will be working with several resettlement agencies across the county to provide these refugees with some relief that they desperately need.