Afghan Refugees, Two Years Later. Where Are They Now?

Dear Friend,

Tomorrow, August 15, will mark two years since the Taliban gained control of Afghanistan. For the thousands of Afghans evacuated to the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome, and the approximate 2.6 million Afghan refugees around the world, this is a day of sorrow, conjuring painful memories of people, places, and a way of life they were forced to leave behind.

Despite these impossible hardships, we at Inspiritus have seen amazing strides from the Afghans we have welcomed, witnessing the creation of new memories with new friends in a new place, during a period of life that, for them, is equally novel and challenging. Amidst unfathomable loss and change, these individuals have demonstrated incredible courage and acceptance, approaching life in the U.S. as one of opportunity where they can once again find happiness, prosperity, and peace.

Example...Nargis Naseri, a young woman who came to Atlanta by herself with no local contacts and has now found purpose and a connection to her local community through her job at another refugee-serving nonprofit organization. There’s also Amin, an IT professional with young children, his former professional ties to the US government would ultimately pose a threat to his family, prompting them to leave Afghanistan. Less than two years after being resettled in Birmingham, he’s found a great job in his field and spends some of his free time doing volunteer IT work with a local nonprofit.

Nargis’ and Amin’s stories exemplify a trend we know to be true: When you invest in refugees, they’ll invest right back in the communities that welcomed them ten-fold.

As we reflect on the events that unfolded two years ago, we are also reflecting on the resilience of our new Afghan neighbors like Nargis and Amin, and the many successes they have achieved in such a short time.

Beginning tomorrow and for the rest of the week, we will be uplifting the stories of nearly a dozen Afghan refugees we have welcomed, who will share their own reflections on where they have been and where they are now, two years later.

We will also be sharing more information about the Afghan Adjustment Act, a piece of legislation that if passed by Congress, would ensure that Afghan evacuees would not be subject to return to Afghanistan and can apply for legal permanent residency in the U.S.

With help of supporters like you, we have made a tremendous impact in the lives of the Afghan allies we have been fortunate to serve these past few years. We can’t wait to share their impactful stories with you throughout the week!

You will be able to find these stories on our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn platforms.

Sincerely, 

John R. Moeller Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus