Tell Congress to Grant Afghans a Roadmap to Citizenship

From Amnesty International USA (http://www.amnestyusa.org):

As millions of people flee violence in Ukraine, there’s been an outpouring of warmth and support from around the world. Strangers are opening up their homes, many proudly fly the Ukrainian flag, and European countries are hosting millions. The Biden administration is moving in tandem, with plans to welcome 100,000 Ukrainians.

It’s a reminder that refugees can be warmly welcomed. And it’s in stark contrast from the treatment of millions of other refugees and asylum-seekers — usually those who are not white or European.

Afghanistan is a good example: the U.S. evacuated 76,000 people since the Taliban took over the government. Many of them fled in desperate conditions, without any belongings, or were separated from their families. Now, they’re hoping to make a home in the U.S., but they have no permanent right to stay.

It’s time to grant Afghan evacuees a roadmap to citizenship in the U.S. Tell Congress to support an Adjustment Act for Afghans at https://act.amnestyusa.org/page/104864/action/1.

There has been progress: last month, Amnesty welcomed the Biden administration’s decision to grant “Temporary Protected Status” to Afghans who are currently in the U.S. It was a major step forward, and the result of hard-fought advocacy and lobbying by Amnesty supporters and staff.

But this status is only a temporary reprieve from deportation — hardly a warm welcome for families and children fleeing the Taliban, hoping for a safe place to call home.

Let’s take a lesson from the global response to the crisis in Ukraine: everyone fleeing war or violence should be welcomed with dignity, humanity, and respect for their human rights.

It doesn’t matter if they are fleeing the Russian military, Taliban persecution, domestic violence, or targeted death threats. Their skin color, country of origin, and religion shouldn’t matter, either.

All newly-arrived refugees and asylum-seekers should have the chance to put down roots, build a new community, and feel at home.

Tell your elected leaders: Congress must establish a roadmap to citizenship for Afghans seeking safety in the United States! »

An Afghan Adjustment Act will only move forward if enough of our elected leaders hear from their constituents.

Our new Afghan neighbors shouldn’t have to wait any longer to put down roots in their new communities.

Thank you for speaking out for a warm welcome for all people seeking safety.