BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's unclear exactly how many Afghani refugees will be coming to the United States and when they will arrive as they continue to flee from Taliban rule.
The United States government is working to provide certain Afghans, including those who worked with the country, the opportunity to resettle into the United States.
Buffalo is one of 19 cities in the United States where Afghani refugees with special immigrant visas can resettle. The city was selected by the federal government, in part, due to its affordability and resources.
"Refugees and immigrants improve the quality of our lives," Eva Hassett, Executive Director at the International Institute of Buffalo, said. "They help us understand the gifts that we have been accidentally blessed with as native-born Americans that not everybody has. They improve the quality of our lives in terms of understanding what is going on in the world first-hand. Diversity improves the quality of our lives. They power our economy."
The federal program for refugees offers full assistance for refugees for the first 90 days they are in the country. Hassett said this includes finding fully furnished housing before they arrive, meeting them at airports, registering children into school, health care options, and efforts to get refugees a job, all while adapting to the new culture.
After the 90 days, the federal money stops for the refugees. At that point, organizations like the International Institute will continue to assist refugees by providing integration services, survivor support, interpretation help, and overall education.
State Senator Sean Ryan said Buffalo is ready to welcome the refugees.
"Our low cost of living makes our community attractive," Ryan said. "Our welcoming attitude makes our community attractive. And the groups assembled today do the work to help welcome and resettle people."
Since 2002, more than 16,000 refugees have come to the City of Buffalo. Thousands more have settled into other upstate cities. Immigrants and refugees have been credited for the growth in Buffalo's population.
