Sponsoring Hope: Exploring Private Sponsorship Of Afghan Refugee Families

The US government has introduced the Sponsor Circle Program, which allows private citizens to sponsor Afghan refugees and help them resettle in the US. The program was launched in partnership with the Community Sponsorship Hub (CSH), a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Inc. It enables groups of individuals to form sponsor circles to provide initial resettlement assistance to Afghans as they arrive and build new lives in local communities across the country.

To form a sponsor circle, you must bring together at least five adults in your area and raise $2,275 for each Afghan individual you want to resettle in your community. Sponsors commit to assisting them through the first three months, which can include locating housing, helping adults find jobs, and registering children for school.

The US is not the only country with such a program. Amnesty International has been working to support refugees through community sponsorship on four continents. Canada's model, which began in 1978, is the world's oldest.

The US government's role in family reunification

The US government has demonstrated its commitment to helping US citizens and Afghans in the US reunite with their family members in Afghanistan. The Department of State has launched an Afghan Family Reunification landing page, which provides information on how Afghans in the US can seek to reunify with their family members based on their immigration status or method of entry to the US. The US government has also supported the reunification and resettlement of Afghan families since August 2021, although some families remain separated.

Immigration Process

US citizens seeking to reunify with their family members in Afghanistan can initiate the immigrant visa application process by filing a Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS will review the petitions, and if approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) will contact the family members to apply for their immigrant visas. The NVC may require additional steps, such as filing Form I-864 Affidavit of Support to demonstrate financial means to sponsor the family.

Departure Assistance

The US government may offer departure assistance for spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents. After the NVC notifies family members that their immigrant visa applications are ready for an interview, the Department of State will contact them with departure options. If the US government assists family members in departing Afghanistan, they will travel to a country where they can complete the immigrant visa process. Family members will require a valid passport, and US government assistance does not guarantee visa issuance. The decision to issue or refuse a visa is made by a consular officer during the visa interview.

Special Cases

The US government provides specific instructions for family reunification for lawful permanent residents, including those who obtained residency through the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, refugees, asylees, and parolees. The processes may vary depending on the family members' immigration status and eligibility.

Sponsor Circle Program

The US government has also partnered with the Community Sponsorship Hub (CSH) to launch the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans. This program enables community groups to directly support Afghans who have been relocated to the US under Operation Allies Welcome. Sponsor circles provide initial resettlement assistance to Afghans, including securing housing, providing basic necessities, and assisting with access to federal, state, and local benefits.

The Sponsor Circle Program

To form a sponsor circle, you must bring together at least five adults in your area and raise $2,275 for each Afghan individual you want to resettle in your community. Sponsors commit to assisting them through the first three months, which can include locating housing, helping adults find jobs, and registering children for school.

• Form a group of five or more adults.
• Have each group member complete a mandatory background check.
• Have one group member complete an online course to ensure your sponsor circle will be skillful and successful.
• Fill out a welcome plan. This will require you to research the resources available in your community for needs like job and language training.
• Fundraise. You will need bank records or other proof showing that you have raised $2,275 per Afghan newcomer.
• Fill out the application form.

If your application is approved, you can welcome an Afghan family into your community.

The Sponsor Circle application process

• Forming a Group: The first step is to gather at least five adults in your neighbourhood or community who are 18 years of age or older to join you in forming a sponsor circle. It is essential to have a group of committed individuals who are willing to contribute their time, resources, and efforts to welcome and support Afghan newcomers.
• Background Checks: Each member of the sponsor circle must complete a mandatory background check. This process helps ensure the safety and security of all parties involved. It includes verifying criminal records and other relevant information.
• Training and Education: At least one member of the sponsor circle should complete the Community Sponsorship Essentials training or a similar online course. This training provides valuable insights and skills for effectively supporting newcomers. It covers topics such as cultural awareness, logistical support, and navigating the resettlement process.
• Welcome Plan: The sponsor circle should develop a comprehensive welcome plan outlining how they will support the Afghan individual or family they intend to sponsor. This plan should address various aspects, including housing, employment, education for children, access to basic necessities, and cultural integration. It is crucial to demonstrate a strong commitment to assisting the newcomers in rebuilding their lives in their new community.
• Fundraising: Sponsor circles are expected to raise funds to support the initial resettlement of Afghan newcomers. The funds will be used to cover expenses such as housing, basic necessities (e.g., clothing, groceries), and other essential services. The specific amount required may vary, but it is important to ensure sufficient financial resources to make a meaningful impact.
• Application Submission: Once the sponsor circle has completed the previous steps, they can proceed to submit their application. The application should include detailed information about the group, their welcome plan, and the financial support they can provide. It is essential to carefully review the application requirements and guidelines provided by the Community Sponsorship Hub (CSH) or other relevant organizations facilitating the Sponsor Circle Program.
• Matching and Certification: After submitting the application, the CSH will review and certify the sponsor circle. They will conduct background checks, ensure completion of mandatory training, and assess the group's ability to provide financial support and initial resettlement services. Once certified, the CSH will work to match the sponsor circle with Afghan individuals or families who choose to participate in the program.
• Ongoing Support and Guidance: Throughout the process, sponsor circles can access ongoing support and guidance from organizations like the CSH and Welcome.US. These organizations provide resources, tools, and expertise to enhance the resettlement experience for both sponsors and newcomers. They offer assistance with various aspects, including temporary housing, cultural orientation, employment, and access to benefits.

By following these steps and meeting the requirements of the Sponsor Circle application process, individuals and community groups can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Afghans rebuilding their lives in the United States. It is important to approach this process with dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to supporting those in need.

The benefits of community sponsorship

Community sponsorship is a powerful way for individuals and communities to support the reception and integration of refugees, address the increasing humanitarian needs, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those seeking refuge. Here are some of the key benefits of community sponsorship:

• Strong Personal Network for Refugees: Refugees benefit from a strong personal network of people who help them navigate their new community. This network provides practical support, assistance with housing, job searches, school registration, and accessing medical care. It also helps address the needs of all family members and reduces the stress and isolation they may experience during the early stages of settlement.
• Enhanced Integration Prospects: Community sponsorship likely enhances the integration prospects of refugees by offering informal orientation and language assistance. Local communities, through their direct involvement, can promote mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance, contributing to more welcoming communities.
• Building Community Connections: Community sponsorship brings people together and fosters social cohesion. It provides an opportunity for sponsors to develop new networks and relationships by working together towards a shared purpose. Sponsors often form lifelong friendships and find it to be one of the most meaningful experiences in their lives.
• Enriching Civic Life: Community sponsorship can enrich civic life and foster full economic independence for humanitarian migrants. It helps regional communities attract and retain migrants, boost their populations, and expand their workforces.
• Addressing Humanitarian Needs: With the number of people fleeing their homes increasing globally, community sponsorship allows individuals and communities to address these humanitarian needs directly. It provides a way to support and welcome refugees, ensuring they have the necessary financial, emotional, and practical support to build their lives in a new home.
• Empowering Private Citizens: Community sponsorship empowers private citizens, businesses, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to take an active role in responding to the global refugee challenge. It allows them to share their knowledge, networks, and resources to support refugees in becoming full contributors to their new societies.
• Changing Perceptions: Community sponsorship can lead to greater understanding within the community about refugee experiences. It lays the groundwork for more compassionate and generous policies towards forced migrants, challenging the narrative that portrays them as a burden or threat.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Community sponsorship offers flexibility in its implementation. Groups can be existing or newly formed, independent or attached to local clubs, schools, faith organizations, or businesses. This adaptability ensures that communities can tailor their sponsorship efforts to the specific needs of the refugees they are supporting.
• Sustainable Settlement: Community sponsorship enables sustainable settlement, particularly in regional locations lacking professional settlement infrastructure. It provides the necessary support for refugees to build their lives and achieve economic independence in their new communities.
• Complementing Government Efforts: Community sponsorship complements government-assisted resettlement programs. By drawing on the time and resources of compassionate citizens, it expands the capacity to resettle refugees and ensures a more comprehensive approach to addressing their needs.

The US government's private sponsorship program

The Sponsor Circle Program enables groups of individuals to form sponsor circles to provide initial resettlement assistance to Afghans as they arrive and settle into local communities. Each sponsor circle must comprise at least five adults who collectively raise $2,275 for each Afghan individual they wish to resettle. Sponsors are expected to assist the Afghans for the first three months of their stay, which includes helping them find housing, jobs, and registering children in school.

Application Process

CSH manages the application process for sponsor circles. They conduct background checks, ensure completion of mandatory training, and review pledges made by sponsor circles. Once a sponsor circle is certified, CSH works to match them with arriving Afghans who choose to participate in the program.

Benefits of the Program

The Sponsor Circle Program showcases the positive impact individuals can have when they come together to welcome and integrate Afghans into American society. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and generosity. The program also expands the capacity to resettle arriving Afghans and complements the work of the State Department's non-profit resettlement agency partners.

Similar Programs

The US government also plans to launch a new private sponsorship pilot program for refugees next year. Additionally, there is the existing Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which allows certain family members of US citizens or lawful permanent residents to immigrate to the US.

Frequently asked questions