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Afghanistan Refugee Resources

The information below is also available as a PDF in the following languages: 

Dari | Pashto

Resources for newly arrived afghans

Tarjimly means “translate for me” and was founded in 2017 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis and the US Refugee & Travel Ban. Their mission is to improve the lives of refugees and the efficiency of humanitarian services by eliminating language barriers. 

The Tarjimly mobile app allows the world’s 3 billion multilingual speakers to remotely volunteer their language skills as translators and interpreters for the 65 million displaced people. Today, it is the most accessible translator service in the world.

When a refugee, asylum seeker, or humanitarian worker requests a translator for a particular language, Tarjimly’s machine learning matching algorithm selects the best volunteer available in our community of 8,000+ people. This person is then connected in a live chat with the person in need, where they can send text, documents, and start a phone or video call. 

Visit their website to learn more about how the app works!

Support for Afghan Financial Empowerment (SAFE) is an initiative launched by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and IRC's Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) to empower Afghan families as they begin their journey to financial stability and economic security in their new homes across the U.S.

The three key components of SAFE are:

  • In-language web portal that serves as access to all SAFE services and is available to Afghan families no matter where they resettle in the U.S. and regardless of which resettlement agency provided initial resettlement services.
  • In-language financial education and coaching services offered through a network of SAFE financial coaches to help provide an understanding of American banking.
  • Access to 0%Auto, Education, Immigration and Personal loans to eligible Afghan households evacuated and resettled through Operation Allies Welcome and the Afghan Placement and Assistance program

To learn more visit their website or their flyer in English, Pashto, or Dari.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB) developed the Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP) to support the transition of recent Afghan newcomers to long-term housing in California. ASIP provides direct housing assistance and housing support services to eligible households through partnerships with Resettlement Agencies (RAs) and Community Partners (CPs). Afghan families with a principal applicant who arrived in the United States between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2022 are eligible for ASIP assistance.

Program Start Date:  March 15, 2022, with additional housing support services phasing in the following weeks and months.

Eligible Households: 

  • Citizens or nationals of Afghanistan (including unaccompanied minors) paroled into the U.S. under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2022.
  • Citizens or nationals of Afghanistan for whom refugee and entrant assistance activities are authorized and whose eligibility date is on or after July 31, 2021:
    • Special Immigrant Visa holders
    • Special Immigrants with Conditional Permanent Resident status
    • SI/SQ parolees
    • Refugees
    • Asylees

    Application Process:  An eligible Afghan household should reach out to their refugee resettlement agency case manager, community-based organization contact to apply.  The online application will only be accessible by 501(c)(3) organizations (i.e., the public cannot access the link). If a household is not connected to any of the above organizations, they should reach out to their region’s ASIP Lead.

    ASIP Lead:

    • International Rescue Committee, Northern California (IRC NorCal)
      • Service Region: Bay Area, Fresno, Sacramento, and Stanislaus counties and other impacted communities in the Central Valley and Northern California
      • See the application for the Northern California region.  If you have further questions, please email ASIP@rescue.org.

    Questions can be directed to CDSS at:  ASIP@dss.ca.gov

    LEGAL ASSISTANCE

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Afghanistan has been designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months due. Only individuals who are already residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022, will be eligible for TPS. TPS applicants may also apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) allowing them to work lawfully in the United States.

    “This TPS designation will help to protect Afghan nationals who have already been living in the United States from returning to unsafe conditions,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Under this designation, TPS will also provide additional protections and assurances to trusted partners and vulnerable Afghans who supported the U.S. military, diplomatic, and humanitarian missions in Afghanistan over the last 20 years.”

    More information will be available shortly once the notice is posted in the Federal Register and application details are released.

    Every individual case is different and you are highly encouraged to schedule a consultation with a qualified immigration professional to help discuss the options that are available in your circumstances.

    You can search for providers here if you are interested in finding immigration legal assistance for TPS or other immigration applications.

    Volunteer or Donate

     

     

    Hear from the International Rescue Committee about how to co-sponsor a refugee family in San Jose!

    Community Co-Sponsorship Outreach Presentation (PDF)

    There is an extremely urgent need for both temporary and permanent housing for newly arriving Afghan refugee families. This is the most critical way that you can help at the present moment.  

    If you are interested in volunteering or donating to support Afghan refugees being resettled locally in San José, please contact one of the following organizations:

    International Rescue Committee (IRC), San Jose

    Donate Financially: Until our beneficiaries secure and are able to move into their permanent home, they need a safe, private, and comfortable place to reside. 100% of your donation will be disbursed to cover emergency temporary housing as well as rental & utility assistance to support evacuee families stabilizing.

    Donate In-Kind: With the assistance of the IRC, newly-arrived refugees move into a new home and begin a new life. In-kind donations from community members facilitate this transition and bring our beneficiaries from harm to home. Currently, the IRC is in need of the following items to support the home set-ups and needs of Afghan evacuees arriving in our area:

    • Gift Cards: VISA, Target, Amazon, IKEA, Safeway, Uber and Lyft gift cards are highly desired due to their versatility, accessibility, and ability to meet the most pressing needs of our beneficiaries. Other gift cards such as Walmart, Lucky, Costco, Ross, Marshalls, and others also accepted.

    • Welcome Kits: Supply a newly-arrived refugee with everything they need to move into their new home with a welcome kit! Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen, and Cleaning Kits provide our beneficiaries with the items they most need when they move into their new home.
    Due to health regulations, some items *MUST* be brand new in original packaging. More information about In-kind donations can be found online:
    https://www.rescue.org/announcement/ways-you-can-support-irc-san-jose

    You can purchase from our Amazon Wish Lists: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/genericItemsPage/DB88R23XXZF0
    Questions about donating? Email DonateSJ@rescue.org

    Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley

    Donate Financially

    Donate In-Kind:

    Volunteer to work with refugees: Tutor newcomers in English and help conduct job searches. Mentor refugee families and help them acculturate to life in the United States. Drive families to appointments. Contact Lori Cinnamon: loric@jfssv.org, (408) 357-7456.

    • Help newly arrived refugees find housing in Silicon Valley: Contact Caroline Golpashin at carolineg@jfssv.org or (408) 357-7449 if you can temporarily house refugees or have access to below market rate housing.

    • Provide transportation for refugees when they arrive in the U.S. (from the airport, to government agencies to help them receive benefits, and to health screenings): Contact Azita Eshagh: azitae@jfssv.org, (408) 357-7457.

    • Tell JFS about job opportunities, and hire refugees at your business: Contact Nellie Rochon-Ellis: nelliere@jfssv.org, (408) 357-7459.