Catholic Social Services says that between 50-100 refugees from Afghanistan will be settling in Anchorage starting later this month.
The news of the incoming refugees leaked out last week. A memo to parents of Goldenview Elementary School from the school said that as many as 300 refugees were coming to Anchorage, but the actual number is now said to be closer to 100, according to sources in the Municipality.
These incoming refugees are the lucky ones who were able to get out of Afghanistan during the final chaotic days of American involvement in fighting the terrorists in that country. They are considered allies to the U.S. interests during the past 20 years of war. Some are women and children, some are translators or people who worked for the U.S. miitary.
Catholic Social Services is the lead agency in Alaska that helps with refugee resettlement.
“Our hearts are with all those who are affected by the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan – both the people fleeing their homes and our military personnel,” Catholic Social Services said in a statement.Â
“According to the White House, the United States has evacuated more than 116,000 people out of Afghanistan since mass evacuations began on August 14, 2021. As part of this effort, our Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services (RAIS) program will be welcoming Afghan evacuees to Alaska. These evacuees will be arriving in Alaska from September to March, fleeing their homeland,” the group stated.
“We are honored to welcome these new arrivals to Alaska, but we will need your help to make sure they have everything they need to resettle,” CSS said. Learn more about how to help the organization prepare for the refugees at this link.
