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Resources for Afghanistan

The current situation in Afghanistan and the evacuation of American personnel and troops and Afghan allies are reminiscent of what happened in Vietnam in Saigon in 1975. My family was not one of the lucky ones on these helicopters. We would be one of hundreds of thousands of boat people fleeing the country afterwards. My uncles who helped the Americans were left to suffer in "re-education camps."

As a refugee of Vietnam, my heart is broken for the Afghan people. Seeing the videos and scenes out of Afghanistan is bringing back major memories of a really tough childhood. I remember vividly the collective dejection and sense of betrayal when the Americans withdrew. Our family would suffer. It is tragic. And my history is why I spend my days fighting for our democracy here in New Jersey. This is a reminder that the best lottery numbers in life are the latitudinal and longitudinal numbers that one is born into.

What can you do?

The following info provided by Congressman Andy Kim. Some contacts changed to cover all of NJ.

AMERICAN CITIZENS: If you or someone you know is an American in Afghanistan that wants to get out, have them fill out the form below. They can also email or call their Member of Congress for follow up and pushing. https://tinyurl.com/mzjf7tnx

SIV: If you/someone you know has an approved petition for a Special Immigrant Visa, email [email protected] or call 1-603-334-0828. For those with/without approved petitions, email their congressional office so they can get help to push for an urgent evacuation.

P-2: If you/someone to know worked as a contractor with NGO, media, etc. if you have questions, or are eligible and need assistance contact your Member of Congress. Resources in several languages here. https://www.wrapsnet.org/siv-iraqi-syrian-afghan-p2/

HELPING HERE IN U.S.: Additionally, if you’re in the United States and wish to help people evacuating Afghanistan, here’s how you can help:

If you want to volunteer for airport pickup, apartment setups, and/or meals for Afghans, go to the URL below. (Please copy/paste into your browser. Link not working through Mail Chimp for some reason.) https://lirsconnect.org/get_involved/action_center/siv

If you want to help provide transportation, housing, and other basic needs for Afghans at Fort Lee in Virginia, go to https://lssnca.org/take_action/afghan-allies.html

Here are NGOs/charities working in Afghanistan you can support.

https://tinyurl.com/wmdc2ban

As the situation changes and more resources are available or if things are no longer current, please let us know. Please email me at [email protected].

Thank you!

Uyen “Winn” Khuong

Founder and Executive Director and Refugee from Vietnam

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