Vermont Business Magazine USCRI, a national nonprofit resettlement agency that assists people who have migrated to our country to help them live safe and dignified lives, submitted a proposal to the US Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration to serve up to 100 Afghans in Vermont.
The goal is to accommodate some of the many Afghans who are being targeted due to their support of the US military and government agencies, as well as media and non-governmental organizations, following the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Governor Phil Scott has asked the Biden Administration to approve Vermont as a site for Afghans to be resettled, seeing it as a moral obligation.1
The Governor has previously requested increases in refugee resettlement in Vermont as part of his strategy for economic growth and increasing Vermont’s workforce.2
USCRI Vermont is working closely with the State Refugee Office at the Vermont Agency of Human Services to plan support services for Afghans potentially arriving in Vermont.
“We look forward to the opportunity to welcome Afghans to Vermont who have already done so much to support our servicemembers overseas,” said Tracy Dolan, the newly appointed Director of the State Refugee Office. “We are proud to see the outpouring of support from Vermonters who want to help. While we recognize the challenges of relocation, we know that Vermont has a great deal to offer to Afghans and their families who seek a peaceful and fulfilling future.”
Although details are still being finalized at the federal level, any Afghans eventually resettled to Vermont will have completed security screenings, medical screenings, and be approved to reside and work in the United States. USCRI Vermont plans to work closely with the State, as well as with schools, employers, landlords, and health and social service programs – to meet the needs of any arriving Afghans and of our community. USCRI is already responding to numerous Vermont volunteers and businesses interested in offering support. “It is an honor and privilege, and a great responsibility, to welcome Afghans to Vermont who have risked and sacrificed a great deal to support our nation and our troops in Afghanistan. We hope to have the opportunity to keep our promises to our allies and offer them safety, freedom, and a chance to rebuild their lives,” said Amila Merdzanovic, Director of USCRI Vermont. Vermonters who would like to offer assistance may contact USCRI Vermont by emailing [email protected].
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) said in a statement: “I am gratified that Vermont is volunteering to welcome and resettle one hundred Afghans who have fled their country in recent weeks. Many of these Afghans supported the U.S. military and our government over the past two decades, risking their lives and the safety of their families. Vermonters recognize that it is our moral obligation to provide them refuge from retaliation and persecution by the Taliban and other extremist groups in Afghanistan.
“Vermont has a long history of warmly welcoming refugees who have become an integral part of communities across our state. They have made Vermont stronger. It is fitting that Vermont is stepping up yet again to offer safe haven to vulnerable Afghans in their hour of need.”
1 Scott administration tells White House that Vermont welcomes Afghan refugees
Vermont Digger. August 17, 2021. Robinson, Riley. https://vtdigger.org/2021/08/17/scott-administration-tells-white-house-t...
2 Scott calls on U.S. State Department to send more refugees to Vermont. Vermont Digger. March 18, 2021. Norton, Kit. https://vtdigger.org/2021/03/18/scott-calls-on-u-s-state-department-to-s...
For more information, please visit USCRI Vermont’s website: https://refugees.org/uscri-vermont/
Additional Information: Afghan Inquiries (U.S. Department of State): https://www.state.gov/afghanistan-inquiries/
Resources for Afghan Allies still in Afghanistan (USCRI): https://refugees.org/resources-for-afghan-allies/
State of Vermont, Agency of Human Services: https://humanservices.vermont.gov/