Refugee Congress Joins Welcome.US to Mobilize Support for Afghan Refugees in the U.S.

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2021

WASHINGTON--Refugee Congress is proud to announce that we are joining a new national initiative called Welcome.US to mobilize the American people to welcome our new Afghan neighbors.

“With thousands of Afghans arriving in the U.S. to rebuild their lives, we have a critical opportunity to demonstrate the kind of welcome we are capable of when people, organizations and companies -- across all sectors, all faiths and each with a different story -- come together. We’re thrilled to partner on such an incredible initiative that will have a long-lasting positive impact,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director of Refugee Congress.

Welcome.US provides a single point of entry for people across the country who want to get involved by donating supplies, money or time; offering temporary housing; or sponsoring Afghan families as they start new lives in the U.S.

It is a comprehensive partnership built by leaders across sectors and political parties that brings together Afghan Americans, refugees, community sponsorship groups, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations, philanthropy, veterans, universities, governors, mayors and more. A first-of-its kind initiative, Welcome.US is working in partnership with state, local and federal officials; partner organizations and the nine national refugee resettlement agencies to create a single platform.

Welcome.US created the Welcome Fund to provide emergency grants to nonprofit organizations working to address the most urgent needs facing Afghan refugees as they arrive and begin their lives in the U.S.

Welcome.US is co-chaired by Cecilia Muñoz, senior adviser to New America and former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Obama, and John Bridgeland, CEO of the COVID Collaborative and former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Bush.

We invite everyone to learn more and join us in this nationwide effort at Welcome.US.

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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants 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