One Year After the Fall of Kabul
By Marisa Tesoro
It’s been one year since the Taliban took control of Kabul, forcing thousands to flee. Today on this anniversary, we reflect on the harrowing images from that time as well as the tremendous efforts to evacuate, resettle and support our Afghan allies since then.
By August 30, 2021, more than 124,000 people were airlifted out of Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Welcome, one of the largest airlifts in U.S. history. By the end of February 2022, more than 72,000 Afghan evacuees were resettled across the U.S. with 1,820 arriving in Missouri.
The tens of thousands of Afghans who entered the United States last August were granted parole, which does not normally come with federal benefits. However, Congress passed legislation and provided funding for refugee resettlement-like benefits, which allowed resettlement agencies to step in and support new Afghan arrivals.
Missouri’s local resettlement agencies hit the ground running, navigating new federal guidance and working around-the-clock to best support their clients. They resettled record numbers of new arrivals thanks to new partnerships, an abundance community support, innovative systems, and tireless staff members.
As Welcome.US has said, “Out of a moment of crisis and tragedy, we built a movement that embraces all who seek to serve and welcome newcomers.”
We’re so proud of all the work that has been done to welcome our new Afghan neighbors. We’re also reminded there is always more to do. Our hearts are with all those left behind as well as the evacuees waiting for their opportunity to enter the country and seek asylum.
What’s Next
Although many Afghans were granted Humanitarian Parole and allowed to live and work in the U.S., this status does not offer a pathway to permanent legal status. On August 9, legislators in both the House and Senate introduced the Afghan Adjustment Act to provide this pathway and more.
Our new neighbors continue to need furniture, diapers, and other essential goods. Anyone looking to help right now can donate to Welcome Essentials– a registry of home supplies still needed by newcomers.
Meanwhile in Afghanistan, communities across the country are in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. Refugees International travelled there in June to assess the situation. Learn more at their upcoming virtual discussion and Q&A Thursday, August 18.
Who to Follow
As more Afghans continue to arrive through Phase II of Operations Allies Welcome, local resettlement agencies continue to need your support. Follow their pages to learn how to be a welcomer alongside them.