A new beginning for Afghan families: finding hope in a new future

In this makeshift store for clothing where traditional Afghan items are mixed with American garments like jackets, socks and even underwear. A young Afghan boy flashed a bright smile when he picked his first pair outdoor boots. The room was filled with children were playing table hockey as they alternated throwing footballs in the air, and playing with each other in raucous foosball games while Afghan music was playing on the background. One young Afghan kid was seen sprinting throughout the area with an unmarked soccer ball. He was also showing his talents to a reporter.

Parents of children under the age of took advantage of Afghan cuisine staples, like a kidney bean stew called lubya and Naan, as well with halal-friendly versions of American favorites, like barbecued turkey hot dogs and beef chili. Children sat side by side drawing in an arts and craft room, which included dozens and many drawings and artworks. They also drew animals, their favorite soccer team and even Afghanistan’s flag. The children also displayed the American flag through drawings and they painted the entire building and they expressed their gratitude to the host nation.

The location in Northern Virginia was housing Afghan evacuees selected for resettlement in the United States, including children. This information was provided by officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the facility. This sprawling suburban hotel, which was built to accommodate official functions, corporate functions and other events, was transformed into a temporary refugee accommodation facility in January by authorities from the U.S. government. The facility is currently the only domestic processing site for Afghans who fled Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

The National Conference Center, Virginia is the main site for Afghans that arrive in the United States under parole authority. The facility allows the authorities to facilitate the acceptance to those who are immigrants, or refugees who aren’t currently eligible for the refugee and visa process. The complex has received approximately , individuals since it was set up.

The facility has been receiving about a hundred refugees in a single flight every week, mostly in the United Arab Emirates, where thousands of evacuated Afghans have been stranded for months, according to Kenneth Graf, a DHS officer in charge of this centre. Graf stated that the final flight is scheduled to arrive on September 1st, when the funding from Congress is scheduled to expire.

The official who is the head of the task force charged with facilitation of the return from Afghanistan of refugees stated that while they are aware that U.S. will no longer utilize parole for admitting Afghan evacuees to the country but he emphasized that Afghans are allowed to apply for legal immigration choices. Lafferty said that the administration will not abandon its commitment towards Afghan allies “beyond this moment and into the weeks and in the months to come.” The commitment will continue throughout the years while we strive to ensure that our allies are protected.

The Learning Outcome

The conference center is receiving around a couple hundred people in a single flight every week, typically in the United Arab Emirates, where thousands of evacuated Afghans have been stuck for months, according to Kenneth Graf, a DHS officer in charge of this facility. The last flight is set to arrive by the end of September, when the budget for the conference center will expire, Graf added.