Refugee Congress Welcomes Reintroduction of Afghan Adjustment Act
For immediate release: July 19, 2023
WASHINGTON – Refugee Congress celebrates the reintroduction of the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA), which will provide much-needed long-term security for the thousands of Afghans who arrived under humanitarian parole to obtain permanent residency in the U.S.
In 2021, countless Afghan lives were uprooted, and Afghans who were evacuated to the United States after the U.S. military’s departure from Afghanistan, entered the United States under humanitarian parole. Without the passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act, Afghans will be left in a state of limbo.
As an organization built and led by refugees, asylees and other forcibly displaced people, we urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this vital legislation so that our Afghan neighbors can fully embrace their new communities and lives in America.
“The reintroduction of the bipartisan AAA is the natural - and critical – next step we must take to provide Afghans who risked their lives assisting the United States and advocating for the rights of women, children, and vulnerable minorities with the opportunity to permanently rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. There is no time to waste in passing this bill and we urge Congress to move swiftly,” Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director.
“Afghans who arrived in the US are facing two critical problems – the uncertainty of their future, and mental and emotional trauma. Many remain separated from their families who are still in Afghanistan. The Afghan Adjustment Act will be the only way to resolve the urgent issues we are facing," Aseel Jan Niazai, Associate Delegate, Montana.
“I am thrilled to hear that AAA has been reintroduced in the Senate with an overwhelmingly bipartisan support. Once passed, this legislation will finally bring certainty to thousands of Afghans who stood by our servicemen for years,” Sohrab Sharghi, Member, Board of Directors.
“We trust the American culture of welcoming people who are seeking safety. Millions of Afghan families here can't wait to feel welcomed. By signing the AAA, you will show to the world how American can do better again and again," Paul Mwingwa, Delegate for Montana.
“The Afghan Adjustment reintroduction will assist the Afghan community members to petition or lobby for their families left behind,” Isabel Kayembe, Delegate for Rhode Island.
“This week, we bear witness to a moment of profound emotion and significance as the Afghan Adjustment Act is introduced in the US Congress. For the over 75,000 Afghans who were evacuated, this legislation represents more than just a pathway to permanent protection; it signifies hope and a chance to rebuild shattered lives. In this critical hour, we call upon our elected officials to recognize the urgency and humanity of this moment. Let us put aside partisan divides and rally behind this long-overdue bill and urging our elected officials to pass it. This is our chance to embrace the shattered lives and dreams of those who stood courageously beside our military,” said Dauda Sesay, Vice Chair, Board of Directors.
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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org
