185 Afghan Refugees Will Be Relocated To Austin, Officials Say

Austin TX

25 August, 2021

11:16 AM

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AUSTIN, TX — Nearly 200 Afghan refugees will be resettled in Austin by Sept. 30, according to officials with Refugee Services of Texas. Refugee Services of Texas announced last week that it expected to resettle more than 300 Afghans in the next few weeks across Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Amarillo and Austin. That number has now increased to 574. The relocation of refugees comes after Afghanistan's government collapsed last week to the Taliban amid the withdrawal of American troops after nearly 20 years in the country. "We stand ready, willing, and able to work with our national resettlement partners, elected representatives, and the military to process and resettle as many people as possible." Learn more about how you can help welcome newly arrived SIV's to Texas at https://t.co/xxrMKq9Gi1 pic.twitter.com/0si8Aqu3rY— Refugee Services of Texas (@RST_Houston) August 16, 2021 As a result, at least 30,000 Afghans may be resettled in the United States in the coming weeks, and many will be temporarily housed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, officials previously reported. Fort Bliss is one of three Army posts set to receive thousands of Afghan refugees, but as of Friday little information has been offered on when the refugees will arrive, Patch reports. Officials said 185 Afghan refugees, the largest intake among the Texas cities, are expected to arrive in Austin by the end of September. Austin is already home to 114 Afghan refugees. This week, the Austin office of Refugee Services of Texas said it had already resettled 35 people. A total of 75 so far have been resettled across Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and Austin. All Afghans who have received Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) have undergone security background checks and health screenings, authorities said. Public support is still needed in helping resettle the refugees. Local organizations have been helping to set up apartments but still need donations and gifts. Donations can be made at Refugee Services of Texas' website. RELATED COVERAGE:Airbnb To Host 20,000 Afghan Refugees For Free 25,000 Afghan Refugees Expected In Coming Weeks: Dept. Of Defense Philadelphia Afghan Immigrant Worries About Family Left Behind