Alabama and Mississippi to Welcome Afghan Evacuees as Resettlement Begins

Alabama and Mississippi are each expected to welcome ten Afghan evacuees as part of the federal government’s effort to resettle tens of thousands of people who were flown out of Afghanistan during the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal last month.

Governor Kay Ivey said the state is working with the U.S. State Department to resettle the evacuees in Mobile. In a statement from her office, Ivey acknowledged the sacrifices made by Afghan allies who assisted American forces.

Governor and Mayor Respond to Resettlement

“Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to those allies who actively helped our soldiers and diplomats stay safe during our two decades in the country,” Ivey said.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said his office is staying in close contact with the Governor’s office regarding the placement of the ten evacuees.

“I know Mobilians will step forward to offer a warm welcome and a helping hand to those individuals who aided our American soldiers,” Stimpson said.

National Resettlement Numbers and Next Steps

The evacuees heading to Alabama and Mississippi are among the first 37,000 people flown out of Afghanistan as the U.S. completed its withdrawal. California is projected to take more arrivals than any other state — more than 5,200 people — according to State Department data for the Afghan Placement and Assistance program obtained by The Associated Press.

Hawaii, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming and the District of Columbia are not expected to resettle anyone from the first group of evacuees who fled during the final days of the withdrawal. The Biden administration has requested funding from Congress to help resettle 65,000 Afghans in the United States by the end of September 2021 and 95,000 by September 2022.

The resettlement effort, known as Operation Allies Welcome, housed many evacuees temporarily at U.S. military installations while they completed medical screening and processing. After that, evacuees are placed in communities around the country, where resettlement agencies working with the State Department help them find housing, employment and other services.