(Washington, DC, Friday, August 12, 2022) – As the one-year anniversary of the fall of Kabul approaches, it’s a moment to reflect on the progress that’s been made. Welcoming tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees in just a few weeks was an unprecedented national challenge. Americans from every corner of the map and of every political party responded by welcoming our Afghan allies as new neighbors. Today, these communities still have some needs that Americans can continue to tackle.
Welcome.US is a national initiative built to inspire, mobilize and empower Americans from all corners of the country to welcome and support those seeking refuge here.
In the past year, Americans have raised their hands to help our Afghan allies in search of safety:
- Lawyers, paralegals, and volunteers formed the Welcome Legal Alliance, which has helped more than 540 Afghan newcomers with pro bono legal services
- Over 200 companies posted more than 68,000 open roles on the Employment Exchange, and 55 companies participated in hiring fairs that helped more than 150 Afghan newcomers find careers commensurate with their education and professional experience
- 40 businesses provided more than $18 million of goods essential goods like mattresses, kitchen supplies, diapers, and personal hygiene items on the Welcome Exchange
- Nearly 40 of America’s most iconic companies formed a CEO Council that has provided over $240 million in goods, services, and other resources to support newcomers
- The Sponsor Circles program empowered Americans to privately sponsor more than 800 Afghans in a matter of months
- Private citizens have gone above and beyond by donating airline miles, sourcing essential goods, raising more than $17 million in funds and opening their homes. Even high school students have gotten involved and collected coins for laundry needs.