Dozens of refugee families across the U.S. are facing dire circumstances as funding cuts to vital support programs leave them without the resources they once relied on.
For many, these cuts have meant eviction and hunger, with some families not even having money for basic necessities like food. The situation is a result of changes in government policy under the new administration, which has pulled back on promises of support to those who fought alongside U.S. military forces in Afghanistan.
Afghan refugees among the most affected
One of the most impacted groups are Afghan refugees, many of whom risked their lives working with the U.S. military in Afghanistan. These families were promised safety and assistance when they left their home countries, but recent budget cuts have left them in a desperate situation.
Nasir, an Afghan refugee, shared the heartbreaking reality he and his family now face. After serving alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, he fled the country with his wife and children. He describes the terrifying risk they face if they return.
“The Taliban will come and kill us. They will slaughter us right on this spot.” Now, Nasir and his family of six have been evicted from their housing after the resources that helped them transition into life in the U.S. were abruptly suspended.
“We stood with them in a very tough and life-taking situation,” Nasir said. “Now that we are here, they have to support us with finding jobs and employment. We shouldn’t be left behind.”
Local organizations struggling to cope
The An-Nisa Hope Center, which offers support to displaced families, has seen a surge in demand as many of its clients face eviction. The shelter currently supports 61 families who are struggling to find stable housing. For many, the alternative to staying in the U.S. is a return to Afghanistan—where death awaits.
Sadif Patel, the case management director An-Nisa Hope Center, explained that many refugees were promised six to nine months of rental assistance and help with food stamps, but these promises were quickly withdrawn. “Overnight, these agencies that were supposed to be helping them were stripped of funding,” Patel said.
Nasir’s concern extends beyond his own family. His eldest son, who also served in the U.S. military in Afghanistan, is currently trapped there, unable to secure a flight to the U.S. Nasir worries for his son’s safety, fearing he will be killed if he remains stuck this dangerous situation overseas.
Impact of funding cuts on local agencies
Local organizations like the YMCA, Catholic Charities, and InterFaith Ministries have also been impacted by funding cuts. The YMCA is now resorting to crowdfunding to continue its efforts, while InterFaith Ministries is relying on diverse local donors to stay afloat.
“The need is great, and we’re doing everything we can to continue providing support, but the lack of federal assistance is making it much harder to help these families,” said a spokesperson for Interfaith Ministries.
The cuts have not only affected Afghan refugees. People from other conflict-ridden countries, including Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and Venezuela, are also facing the consequences of reduced support programs.
Calls for action from refugee advocates
As the situation continues to worsen, advocates are calling on the U.S. government to reconsider its approach. Raazia Nathani, THE Advocacy and Outreach Director at An-Nisa Hope Center, urged officials to provide a “buffer period” to evaluate current programs before any further cuts are made.
“If the government is considering any changes to these programs, they need time to evaluate them properly and make sure that we have time to continue helping these people. This feels like we’re holding our hands up to try and stop a waterfall. It’s impossible” Nathani said.
A desperate need for support
The plight of these refugees is dire. With families facing eviction, hunger, and a lack of resources, the need for continued support is more urgent than ever. Local organizations, despite their best efforts, are struggling to fill the gap left by the loss of federal funding.
As these refugees wait for the assistance they were promised, they continue to face an uncertain future in a country that once welcomed them with open arms.
