A New Chapter: Afghan Arrivals In The Us And Their Road To Integration

The number of Afghans entering the US has increased dramatically in recent years, with the population nearly quadrupling between 2010 and 2022. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked a turning point for Afghan migrants, with the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome providing humanitarian parole for 76,000 evacuated Afghans to enter the country. This was the largest evacuation since the Vietnam War. The US has a long history of accepting Afghan refugees, with over 97,000 resettled in the last 20 years, primarily through refugee status or special immigrant visas. States with large Afghan populations include California, Virginia, Texas, and New York. Public opinion polls show broad support for resettling Afghans who worked with the US government or military, even among Republicans who typically favour tighter controls on immigration. However, there are concerns about security vetting, cost, and the complex process of seeking asylum.

The US has welcomed over 76,000 Afghans since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan

The US has a long history of resettling Afghan refugees, with more than 97,000 Afghans resettled in the country over the last 20 years. The majority of these refugees have arrived through two channels: gaining refugee status or obtaining a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). The SIV program provides a pathway to legal permanent residency for Afghan translators and interpreters who worked with the US military.

The states that have welcomed the most Afghan refugees include California, Virginia, Texas, and Maryland. These states have well-established Afghan communities and support networks in place to assist new arrivals.

The resettlement process for Afghan refugees can be challenging and lengthy, with many families requiring support in finding housing, employment, and accessing education and healthcare. There are also legal challenges, as many Afghan evacuees do not meet the legal definition of a refugee and are referred to as "parolees". This means they are only temporarily allowed to stay in the country and must apply for permanent protection through the asylum system or other pathways.

Despite these challenges, the public has shown overwhelming support for welcoming Afghan refugees into the US. Americans across the political spectrum recognize the duty to help those who supported the US mission in Afghanistan and those fleeing persecution under the Taliban regime.

California has taken in the most Afghans, with over 31,000 arrivals

California has emerged as the top destination for Afghans arriving in the United States, with the state taking in over 31,000 arrivals as of 2022. This accounts for 39% of the total Afghan immigrant population in the country. The state's capacity to accommodate a large number of evacuees, along with its strong resettlement agencies and established Afghan communities, have made it a preferred choice for those seeking to start a new life in America.

The resettlement process in California is facilitated by a network of national resettlement agencies and local affiliates. These organizations provide crucial support by helping Afghans secure housing, find employment, enroll in schools, and integrate into their new communities. The state's diverse economy and job market also offer opportunities for Afghans to rebuild their lives and contribute to their adopted homeland.

The arrival of Afghans in California is not a recent phenomenon. The state has a long history of welcoming Afghans, with many settling in northern California over the past two decades. This has resulted in the development of vibrant Afghan communities, particularly in the Sacramento and Alameda counties. These established communities provide a sense of familiarity and support for new arrivals.

California's openness to Afghan immigrants extends beyond the current crisis. The state has a history of attracting Afghans, with the majority of them settling there due to its reputation as a welcoming and diverse state. The presence of established Afghan communities and cultural familiarity make California an attractive destination for those seeking to rebuild their lives.

The resettlement process in California, however, is not without its challenges. The high cost of living, especially in northern California, can pose difficulties for new arrivals. Additionally, the competition for housing and the need for language interpretation services are ongoing concerns. Despite these challenges, California remains at the forefront of welcoming Afghans, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and pursue the American dream.

Afghans are less likely to be proficient in English, have lower educational attainment, and lower labour force participation than other immigrants

The number of Afghans entering the US varies depending on the source. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US welcomed over 76,000 Afghans in 2021. However, some sources state that the number is closer to 100,000.

Afghans entering the US are less likely to be proficient in English, have lower educational attainment, and lower labour force participation than other immigrants.

In 2022, about 56% of Afghans aged 5 and over reported speaking English less than "very well", compared to 46% of all immigrants. This lack of English proficiency is also reflected in the gender and period of arrival. 60% of Afghan women and girls lacked English proficiency, compared to 53% of Afghan men and boys in the same year. For those who arrived in the US in 2012 or later, the share without English proficiency was higher at 68% for women and girls and 59% for men and boys. This is in contrast to 52% of all recently arrived female immigrants and 49% of male immigrants.

In terms of educational attainment, 28% of Afghan immigrants aged 25 and older reported having at least a bachelor's degree in 2022, compared to 36% of US-born and 35% of foreign-born populations. Additionally, 29% of Afghan immigrant adults had less than a high school diploma, compared to 25% of all immigrant adults. Among Afghans who arrived between 2020 and 2022, 36% held at least a four-year college degree, while 48% of all immigrants arriving in that period held a similar degree.

The lower educational attainment among Afghans, especially women, can be attributed to several factors. Afghanistan's education system has been devastated by decades of conflict, making it difficult for many children, especially girls, to complete primary school. In 2007, Afghanistan's Education Minister reported that 60% of students were studying in tents or other unprotected structures, leading to some parents refusing to send their daughters to school. Additionally, the lack of skilled and educated workers in Afghanistan is a major economic disadvantage.

Afghanistan also has the lowest rate of female labour force participation. Marital status, family size, employment status of husbands, and GDP per capita of the household negatively impact the probability that women will work. However, educational attainment, work experience, and knowledge of the English language positively influence the likelihood of married women's labour force participation.

Afghans are advised to settle in areas with plentiful job openings and cheaper housing

The number of Afghan refugees arriving in the US varies according to different sources. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US has welcomed over 76,000 Afghans forced to flee their country. However, according to reporting from The New York Times, at least 50,000 Afghans will be admitted to the US within the next month, with around 31,000 already having arrived.

The Biden administration has requested funding from Congress to help resettle 65,000 Afghans in the US by the end of September 2022 and 95,000 by September 2023.

Oklahoma, which has resettled a relatively small number of Afghans over the course of the 20-year war, is slated to resettle 1,800 new arrivals. Many of the new evacuees requested to be resettled in states where they already have family and close friends. Resettlement agencies also have a large presence and capacity in many of these states.

Afghans arriving in the US face a number of challenges, including a nationwide housing shortage, a tight housing market, and an ongoing pandemic that continues to delay access to many services and benefits, especially healthcare.

The process of resettlement is lengthy, and new arrivals need help with housing, clothing, transportation, employment, and education opportunities, as well as cultural classes.

Afghan refugees are not eligible for food stamps, cash assistance, Medicaid or other traditional refugee services

The US has welcomed over 76,000 Afghans since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. This number is expected to reach 95,000 by September 2022. However, Afghan refugees are not eligible for food stamps, cash assistance, Medicaid, or other traditional refugee services.

The US admitted these Afghans under a process called "humanitarian parole", which means they are temporarily allowed to stay in the country but are not guaranteed a path to lawful permanent residence or citizenship. As a result, they must apply for permanent protection through the complex asylum system or other pathways.

The Afghan Adjustment Act, which would provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency for Afghan evacuees, has been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. However, efforts to pass this legislation have stalled.

In the meantime, each Afghan evacuee is slated to receive $1,225 to help with essential needs such as rent, furniture, and food. Additionally, resettlement agencies like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) provide crucial support by finding homes and temporary housing, providing food and essential supplies, and offering COVID-19 health orientation and assistance with applying for benefits.

While Afghan refugees are not eligible for traditional refugee services, they can access certain benefits and services through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). ORR-funded benefits include Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), and Refugee Support Services (RSS). RCA provides cash assistance for up to 12 months to those who are not eligible for other forms of cash assistance. RMA offers health insurance coverage for up to 12 months for those who are not eligible for Medicaid. RSS provides a range of services such as employment support, English language training, and case management for up to five years.

Furthermore, certain categories of immigrants, including refugees, asylees, and victims of human trafficking, are eligible for federal public benefit programs. These benefits include cash assistance through TANF, health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). However, there is a “five-year bar” for most qualified immigrants, meaning they must wait five years after obtaining qualified immigrant status before becoming eligible for these benefits.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and specific benefits available can vary by state, and some states have chosen to provide additional support to immigrants. For instance, California offers the CalFresh Food Assistance Program and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).

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