Courtesy Photo from VAA depicts VAA staff helping to host Eid Al-Fitr celebration in Burlington, Vermont for the Afghan community. (June 2025).
Vermont Business Magazine Friday, August 15, 2025 marks the 4-year anniversary of the collapse of the Afghan government and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Taliban entered Kabul and took over the Afghan government on August 15, 2021.
According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of State an estimated 125,000 civilians were evacuated from Afghanistan in August of 2021. This was the largest civilian airlift in U.S. history. Although reports vary, it is estimated that 78,000 Afghans who worked for the U.S. and had applied for special immigrant visas were left behind. This figure does not include those who had not yet applied, or their family members. Others estimate the number is closer to 145,000.
Under the Biden Administration, evacuation and relocation efforts continued with an estimated total of 180,000 Afghans resettled in the United States since August 2021. Under the Trump administration, the relocation of Afghans under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) ground to a halt with the suspension of USRAP. While Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) processing for Afghans still slowly continues today, and SIV holders are exempt from the existing travel ban, thousands of Afghans still await relocation, particularly women and children who were left behind in August 2021.
“On this 4-year anniversary of the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, we recognize that the majority of Afghan allies who supported U.S. military and diplomatic missions in Afghanistan remain separated from their wives and children, who are at great risk in Afghanistan. The U.S. Government has an obligation to keep its promise to these Afghan allies. This 4-year anniversary, we also recognize the resilience, strength, and contributions of Afghan allies across Vermont to our state and communities,” said Molly Gray, executive director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance.
There are currently an estimated 650 Afghans resettled across Vermont. Afghans have resettled in the Greater Burlington Area, Brattleboro, Bennington, Montpelier, Rutland, Springfield, Hartford and St. Albans. Afghans are working across sectors at hospitals and with social service providers, with school districts, manufacturing companies and contractors, in grocery stores and restaurants, and as Uber drivers.
“My fellow Afghans have become an essential part of Vermont’s workforce, contributing their skills, dedication, and time to strengthening Vermont’s economy. Their presence not only fills critical labor needs across various sectors, but also brings cultural richness and diversity that benefits communities statewide,” said Vermont Afghan Alliance employment program officer Yassin Hashimi.
Earlier this year, the Vermont Afghan Alliance released its 2024 Annual Report. In 2024, the Alliance served an estimated 250 Afghans statewide through direct services, training and cultural programs. This included assisting 35 individuals in obtaining their Vermont driver’s license, 65 individuals with job placement, 82 individuals with case management and 50 individuals with interpretation assistance. Since March 2025, together with community partners, the Alliance has welcomed 12 Afghan SIV holders and hosted Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha celebrations for 250 Afghans.
“Individually, and as an organization largely led by Afghan allies, we are deeply committed to continuing our efforts to welcome and assist the Afghan community. We are determined to help keep a promise made to those who risked their lives to support U.S. military and diplomatic missions in Afghanistan, and to ensure that families are evacuated and brought to safety here in Vermont. Our thoughts are with the Afghan community across Vermont on this 4-year anniversary.” said Gray.
Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement Friday:
“Four years ago, our nation ended its longest war as it began the final withdrawal from Afghanistan, and while some of us disagree with how it was done, most would agree it was time for that war to end.
"There are many Afghans who believed in a future where they, and their future generations, would be blessed with the liberty that far too many Americans take for granted. Many of them fought and died alongside Americans. They served in government, helped to run elections, built infrastructure, and welcomed girls back to their schools, for the first time in decades.
"Those who made their way to America as refugees have become our friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Many – due to their cooperation with the United States government during the war – would face deadly consequences if they were forced to return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
"I hope Vermonters will join me in celebrating the contributions of our Afghan neighbors, and never forget that as citizens, it’s our duty to ensure those who seek peace, freedom, and the rule of law only our democratic republic can offer, are always welcome in America.”
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