What happens to the Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa recipients who are arriving to the US?

They are being processed at the different bases they arrive at in the United States. They are initially vetted at the first foreign stop they go to, and security checks are done. When they get to the US they will get continued security checks as well as medical and health screenings for everything including Covid.

When the processing is complete their vital information will be sent to resettlement agencies in different cities. This is so that the agencies will prepare housing, furniture and necessities. When they arrive, representatives from the resettlement agencies will meet them at the airport and escort them to their new homes. They will be helped by these agencies to receive social security cards and employment authorizations, as well as cultural orientation classes. They help register their kids in school and get them their first jobs. The adults are usually referred to iACT’s English as a Second Language classes within days of arrival.

Can I welcome people when they arrive?

Typically, resettlement agencies are the first to meet newly arrived refugees. You can volunteer for a resettlement agency – in Austin that is Refugee Services of Texas and receive training. They will decide where best to place you to be helpful.

Can I volunteer?

Most nonprofits welcome volunteers who need to receive an orientation to the agency and what it does. At iACT you can volunteer as a teaching aide in the adult classes (they are all remote on Zoom at this time) by contacting lpissani@interfaithtexas.org or you can be a volunteer tutor or mentor for a refugee youth by contacting mwagner@interfaithtexas.org. If you’d like to do other things, check the Austin Refugee Roundtable website www.austinrefugees.org to find a nonprofit that provides services you would like to be a part of. Contact them and get their volunteer orientation information.

Can I send you donations?

At iACT we are working with our students remotely so we do not see them in person to distribute any donations. Also, we do not have storage facilities or transporting abilities. For this reason the best way you can help is to donate money or gift cards. We always need HEB or Walmart gift cards as well as Visa cards which we can mail to our clients. Financial donations are also critical to help clients with rent or other needed expenses. Additionally, we have an Amazon Wish list here.