Resolution in Support of Afghan Refugees

WHEREAS the ongoing uncertainty and violence in Afghanistan and the takeover of the Afghan government by the Taliban has created a humanitarian crisis, with rapidly deteriorating human rights and reductions in safety particularly for vulnerable individuals, including, but not limited to: women and girls, members of the LGBT community, those who have direct ties to the U.S. government and military, members of ethnic minority communities, those who are Shi'a Muslim, adherents of non-Muslim faiths, including those of Sikh and Hindu faiths, and individuals who work for or have ties to aid organizations; and

WHEREAS refugees and their families face a multitude of challenges when arriving in the United States and transitioning to a new life, including but not limited to; resettlement, language barriers, understanding cultural nuances, financial hardship, accessing education, finding work, legal assistance; and

WHEREAS federal and state leaders in California, specifically in Alameda County, home to the largest concentration of Afghans and Afghan Americans in the United States and the greater Bay Area, have the unique and moral responsibility to welcome Afghan refugees in our communities, while honoring the commitments of the United States government, assisting in the evacuation of vulnerable groups, providing support to organizations who will serve the refugee community, and showing support for the Afghan community during this difficult time;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tri Valley Democratic club supports and welcomes refugees from Afghanistan into our community and urges our state and federal leaders to act immediately and with determination, and rightfully bring at-risk and vulnerable Afghan peoples and their families to the United States for safety and prosperity and be afforded full benefits to transition into American life; specifically, our club along with the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee encourages California to accept more, and house more, Afghan refugees than any other US State; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Tri Valley Democratic club supports access to significant opportunities and benefits to individuals and families arriving from Afghanistan, including, but not limited to: immediate eligibility for reception and placement afforded under Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and refugee status conditions within a week of arriving on US soil.

Submitted by: Hon. Andy Kelley, AD 14 Sponsored by: Harris Mojadedi, Layma Tabibi, Hon. Aisha Wahab and endorsed by the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee and the Tri Valley Democratic Club.