Resources for Afghan Population

The heavy burden of forced migration from Afghanistan has produced a diaspora of Dari- and Pashtu-speaking families. Events including the 1979 Soviet invasion, the emergence and resurgence of the Taliban, civil war, and the 20-year-long U.S. military presence have for more than 60 years battered the nation with armed conflict and violence. The 2021 withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan, with the subsequent Taliban takeover of government, catalyzed hundreds of thousands to depart their homeland in recent years.  

Since mid-2021, approximately 90,000 Afghans have been welcomed to the United States under Operation Allies Welcome. Of these, the majority are humanitarian parolees warranted temporary entry due to compelling and urgent circumstances. Afghan refugees, Special Immigrant Visa Holders (SIVs), and asylees are also assisted under this program. Of the 50 states, Texas, California, and Virginia saw the greatest influx of Afghans during this wave of immigration.  

CIRH Academy

CIRH Academy provides inclusive and impactful educational resources to support immigrants and refugees, as well as the service providers and academic partners working with them.

Our multilingual content—available in English, Pashto, and Dari—equips communities with the knowledge and tools to navigate challenges and improve access to essential services.

Explore CIRH Academy’s offerings:

  1. Identifying and Overcoming Challenges Faced by Refugee Families

  2. Discussion on Afghan Refugee Legal Issues (Pashto & Dari)

  3. Discussion on Autism Spectrum Disorder with Dr. Sharifi (Dari)

See below for Organizations Offering Comprehensive Services, Resources by Category, and Downloadable Resources for Afghan populations.

Explore the latest resources tailored to your county's needs right here.

Organizations Offering Comprehensive Services

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

IRC helps people affected by humanitarian crises and climate crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives, with a focus on five areas: ensuring safety from harm, improving health, increasing access to education, improving economic well-being, and ensuring people have the power to influence decisions that affect their lives.

Refugee Enrichment and Development Association (REDA)

REDA provides culturally and linguistically congruent services to refugees in Sacramento County. Programs include REDA’s Social Service Center (RSSC), Mental Health Program, Emergency Financial Assistance Fund, Refugee Economic Empowerment Program, and others.

Refugee Welcome Collective (RWC)

RWC provides in-depth training programs, weekly learning sessions, resources, and on-demand technical assistance for sponsors, community sponsorship staff, refugees paired with sponsors, and community and institutional partners to improve outcomes for refugees resettled through the U.S. Refugee Admissions program.

Click on this state-by-state resource map for newcomers and sponsors for information about cash and food assistance, health care, programs for English language learners, job search assistance, and other valuable resources specific to your state.

Legal Services Assistance

Funded by the California Department of Social Services, qualified community-based organizations provide free legal services and community education to immigrants who live in California, including access to information and application assistance for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Naturalization, Affirmative Immigration Remedies (AIR), Removal Defense (RD), and services for Immigrant Youth (IY). To see the direct service legal providers in your region, view the Legal Services Providers' Information webpage. 

Settle In

Settle In provides trusted and accurate information about the U.S. resettlement process and life in the U.S. Its digital platforms are available in multiple languages and provide resources, information, and in-language support to newcomers resettling to the U.S.

Human Migration Institute (HMI)

MI is a nonprofit organization that promotes community building to support refugee populations. Services include the Community ESL Learning Program, Resettlement Services, After School Learning Center, and many more.

Resources by Category

Protection Against Violence

Weave, Inc.

Narika

Housing

California Department of Home Safe Program

Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP)

National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) Helpline: 1-305-306-8495 or NCHE.helpline@safalpartners.com

Downloadable Resources

University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development

Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA)

National Resource Center for Refugees

Never a Bother

IRC and OPORA

Interactive Map of Refugee Mental Health Community-based Organization (CBO) Locations

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