This is heartbreaking. Besides the disparity in pathways to the U.S. for Ukrainians (which I don't for a second begrudge), this is so wrong. We couldn't have done what we did in Afghanistan without these heroes and then we just abandon them? When we need help again, who will step up?
I have a theory about immigration. I think that there are many people and many communities who would welcome immigrants (particularly refugees or those seeking asylum). I think that if it were up to individuals and some groups, such as churches or Rotary groups, they would be able to successfully help those looking to start a new life in the US. We certainly have room in our typically oversized American house.
So, when I read about the Afghan people in need of coming to the US, I called as many refugee groups as I could. I called federal governmental groups as well as state groups. All of these places stated that there main job was to help refugees. Many specifically mentioned those from Afghanistan. I told everyone I called that I wanted to help Afghans and that I was willing to have families live in my house. I said I would help them find jobs, enroll their children in school, help them navigate paperwork and systems. I told these agencies I called that I would help with organizing ways of actually getting refugees in (finding airfare, picking people up at airports, etc). Every single agency I called told me they didn’t need my actual help, but I could write a check to their general funds which I was assured would help real people in need. I did not believe their assurance.
Then, only a few months later, Russia invade Ukraine leading to Ukrainian refugees looking to come to the US. This time, a program was created specifically so that people like me could help people in need of coming ti the US. I have so far helped three families (5 adults and 3 children total) escape to the US. One family needed help with paperwork and travel arrangements only. Another family lived with us briefly and then was able to move out and live independently. The last family is still living with us. There are many successful stories like ours which supports my original theory that immigration would be less politically fraught if people were allowed to go to places where US citizens both wanted them and were willing ti help them get settled.
Since the program for Ukrainians was so successful, it was expanded to include Haiti, Venezuela, and a few others. But NOT Afghanistan! And not any number of other places were people need to escape. I try very hard not to find racism behind every decision with which I disagree. But what other possible explanation could there be?
This is heartbreaking. Besides the disparity in pathways to the U.S. for Ukrainians (which I don't for a second begrudge), this is so wrong. We couldn't have done what we did in Afghanistan without these heroes and then we just abandon them? When we need help again, who will step up?
Thank you for covering a public policy issue most won't touch right now. This was really enlightening.
Outrageous. Thank you for bringing this to light.
I have a theory about immigration. I think that there are many people and many communities who would welcome immigrants (particularly refugees or those seeking asylum). I think that if it were up to individuals and some groups, such as churches or Rotary groups, they would be able to successfully help those looking to start a new life in the US. We certainly have room in our typically oversized American house.
So, when I read about the Afghan people in need of coming to the US, I called as many refugee groups as I could. I called federal governmental groups as well as state groups. All of these places stated that there main job was to help refugees. Many specifically mentioned those from Afghanistan. I told everyone I called that I wanted to help Afghans and that I was willing to have families live in my house. I said I would help them find jobs, enroll their children in school, help them navigate paperwork and systems. I told these agencies I called that I would help with organizing ways of actually getting refugees in (finding airfare, picking people up at airports, etc). Every single agency I called told me they didn’t need my actual help, but I could write a check to their general funds which I was assured would help real people in need. I did not believe their assurance.
Then, only a few months later, Russia invade Ukraine leading to Ukrainian refugees looking to come to the US. This time, a program was created specifically so that people like me could help people in need of coming ti the US. I have so far helped three families (5 adults and 3 children total) escape to the US. One family needed help with paperwork and travel arrangements only. Another family lived with us briefly and then was able to move out and live independently. The last family is still living with us. There are many successful stories like ours which supports my original theory that immigration would be less politically fraught if people were allowed to go to places where US citizens both wanted them and were willing ti help them get settled.
Since the program for Ukrainians was so successful, it was expanded to include Haiti, Venezuela, and a few others. But NOT Afghanistan! And not any number of other places were people need to escape. I try very hard not to find racism behind every decision with which I disagree. But what other possible explanation could there be?