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Afghanistan Immigration: The 3 Secure, Systematic Processes
We are expecting an influx of immigrants from Afghanistan in the coming months and years. The State Department will be processing those Afghans desirous to enter the U.S. in a secure, systematic process. While the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has seemed chaotic and alarming, immigration protocols and safeguards will not be abandoned despite the immediacy needed. The three types of legal entry are Special Immigrant Visas, humanitarian parole, and I-9 refugee status. All three processes include rigorous vetting, but they vary in both process and limitations. As we begin welcoming our Afghan friends into our neighborhoods, we can do so with the assurance that we are welcoming people…
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Official Statement from Mormon Women for Ethical Government on Our Ongoing Obligation to Afghan Allies
America’s longest war officially came to its conclusion on August 31, 2021. In the weeks leading up to our departure from Afghanistan, the U.S. and its allies staged a significant effort to remove our citizens and friends, including Afghan nationals who had either assisted our armed forces or were actively building a peaceful state grounded in human rights and modeled on the principles of liberal democracy. Having embraced this cause, their lives are now at grave risk. At Mormon Women for Ethical Government, we believe that ending the war in Afghanistan must not end our commitment to our Afghan allies. Our responsibility to these brave individuals is just beginning, and…
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An Afghan Family Immigration Story
Submitted by an anonymous MWEG member, edited by Mel Henderson My husband was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, into a family that can trace its lineage directly to Muhammad. His family was politically active and vocal about it—unwelcome qualities in the social climate of the time. Two of his relatives became prominent political activists who were assassinated in the late 80s. But even earlier, things were very dangerous. The Russian army invaded Afghanistan in the 70s and they had a hit list. My husband’s outspoken family became a target. The Russians intended to find, arrest, and execute every male in his family. This would send a message to others and “put…
