Asian MN Alliance for Justice calls on U.S. to accept more Afghan refugees.
The world continues to watch in devastation the humanitarian crisis that came as the United States withdrew its forces from Afghanistan. As organizations who serve many Asian Minnesotans, we know how the war in Afghanistan continues the history of United States militarism and colonialism across the globe. The images in Kabul remind many, particularly our Southeast Asian communities, of the chaos and crisis after the fall of Saigon and the withdrawal from Long Cheng, Laos in 1975. We see ourselves, our stories, our histories, and our trauma in the Afghan people, and we know we must help our country do better.
The United States has a duty to accept as many refugees from Afghanistan as possible. We are glad Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan have already written to President Biden about Minnesota’s readiness to welcome Afghan refugees. Minnesota is home to diverse and flourishing refugee communities and knows firsthand how these communities contribute to and make our state a vibrant place to live. Like we’ve done throughout our history, Minnesota should work with the Biden Administration, Congress and cities, and local partners to welcome Afghan refugees with open arms.
Here is how you can help Afghans right now.
In Solidarity,
Asian Minnesotan Alliance for Justice:
Asian American Organizing Project (AAOP)
Asian Media Access (AMA)
CAPI USA
Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL)
Filipinx for Immigrant Rights & Racial Justice Minnesota (FIRM)
India Association of Minnesota (IAM)
Japanese American Citizens League – Twin Cities (JACL)
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) – St. Cloud Chapter
Release MN8
Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE)
SEWA-AIFW
The Southeast Asian Diaspora (SEAD) Project
TaikoArts Midwest
Theater Mu
Transforming Generations
Vietnamese Social Services (VSS)