Why this matters

After the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, thousands of Afghan families were forced to flee their homes, often because they had been working for the US government. In 2021-22, around 1,000 Afghans resettled in Austin, often after months of jumping from place to place in search of a stable and safe environment. I am part of a volunteer group that has focused on 7 resettled Afghan families (69 people), and I have been working closely with one of these families, the Durranis (this is a pseudonym), since they arrived four years ago with their 11 children. Mr. Durrani was a target for the Taliban because he worked directly with US security forces. When they first came to the US, none of the children had ever been to school. At first, they did not know how to write their own names, since they spoke a language without a written form, and had to learn to to write, read, and do math, all in a foreign language. In just a few years, I've watched them grow into incredibly motivated and bright kids who now speak and interact with us fluently, and show an infectious excitement for learning.

Part of what makes me care so much about these families is the lack of attention the US media gave to Afghanistan, throughout the entire 20 year war. Although this tragedy was easily forgotten, there are many people who still need help in order to rebuild their lives. The Durranis came here through the official US relocation and resettlement programs, but now those programs have been greatly curtailed and even shut down. Refugees are no longer accepted at all.. In fact, as of June 4, 2025, the US has suspended all entry visas for anyone from Afghanistan, except for one limited type of visa. The renewal of employment authorizations of the Durranis and other Afghans is uncertain. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed July 4, 2025 puts an end to SNAP food benefits and Medicaid unless a family has permanent residence (“green cards”) or citizenship. These are crucial benefits while Afghans rebuild their lives. Our friends’ futures are in limbo, despite it being their direct alliance with the US that put them in danger.