RWB Rally 2021 and Local Nashville Efforts

Afghanistan continues to face devastation and chaos amidst the oppressive rule of the Taliban since their seizure in August of 2021. This invasion has prompted millions of Afghans to flee their homes, multiplying the displaced population substantially and overwhelming forces tasked with evacuating refugees to the U.S. Statistics show that this is the largest resettlement pursuit in recent U.S. history.

Legal entry to the U.S. to obtain refugee or asylum status requires going through the Refugee Admissions Program (RAP), which is a difficult and lengthy process that affords resettlement and replacement assistance such as cultural orientation, food stamps, school registration, employment opportunities, medical care, health benefits, and cash payments to help them achieve self-sufficiency as swiftly as possible.

Due to the outstanding number of refugees in crisis-level conditions, the American government has opted for a temporary solution that welcomes a considerable number of Afghans into the U.S. for two years under humanitarian grounds called parole status. While this is not a long-term fix, it is providing immediate safety to those subject to extremist rule.

Access to the USRAP is a critical mechanism for protection but is a luxury that cannot be afforded to all in need of it. Upon arrival, refugees typically having nothing more than the clothes on their backs. They initially receive a limited supply of personal items and an insufficient monetary stipend of $1,025, intended to last 90 days. Their resources are quickly depleted, long before they are connected to social services of any kind, resulting in scarcity and insecurity.

While resettlement infrastructure is exhausted and overextended, the help of nonprofit organizations focused on softening the landing for new Afghan allies has been crucial. Since September 2021, 600 refugees have arrived safely in Tennessee thanks to the efforts of the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE), the Tennessee Resettlement Aid (TRA), and Catholic Charities of the Diocese. 80% of them have been relocated to the city of Nashville with many more expected in the coming months.

NICE and Catholic Charities have partnered with United Way of Greater Nashville and The American Muslim Advisory Council to establish the Welcoming Nashville Fund, working to ensure that refugees receive adequate resources as they recover from intense, traumatic situations.

TRA acknowledges the wide spectrum of needs as a refugee. They have developed a sizeable, hands-on volunteer base involved in many capacities. Volunteers make weekly food deliveries of bread, meats, eggs, milk, and dry goods; equip homes with donated furniture, kitchen utensils, and children’s toys; help with crafting resumes and networking to recruiters or local businesses; issue women’s hygiene products as well as baby diapers and formula; coordinate shuttles to and from work or community events; conduct trainings for English proficiency; navigate the processes of legal obstacles; accompany patients to medical and psychological appointments, often financing medications and copays; and distribute new and used clothing based on the season.

Relief Without Borders’ response included a peaceful rally for Afghan lives on August 22nd in downtown Nashville at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park from 3 to 6pm. RWB organized this event as a platform where people of all backgrounds can unite in support of human rights. They encouraged people to make signs and share informative updates to spread awareness. Thank you to all those who came out and volunteered their time before and after! The peaceful rally generated publicity and reinforced the call for action in rescuing innocent civilians.

Written by Ava Katz