Sacramento– Asian Resources continues to serve Afghan refugee families who now call Sacramento their home. Like many of the earlier refugees that came to our region, Afghan families resettled in Sacramento to make a better future for their families.
Sacramento is home to the largest Afghan refugee population in the country. As Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs), they risked their lives and the lives of their families to help the United States. We rightfully honor and protect their sacrifice and we support their resettlement in our region.
Now, like so many others across the world, we see many families seeking to leave Afghanistan and are reminded of our own families’ stories.
Asian Resources began with the families, like many of our staff, who fled during the fall of Saigon in the 1970s. The images of helicopters departing rooftops mirror present-day images of Afghan allies trying to leave Afghanistan. Their story is similar to Hmong refugees who fled their homes as they too risked their lives to assist the United States military. And the refugee story continues with the many former Soviet Union, Ukraine refugees who fled as a result of religious persecution who also call Sacramento home.
We welcome and serve all at Asian Resources.
We understand too well the fear of our Afghan allies, who have waited to be granted SIV status due to risking their lives to assist the United States. We understand the sadness of the Sacramento Afghan community who fear for the lives of their loved ones left behind. In times of difficulty and crisis, we all must serve with greater compassion, and lend as much support as possible to the Afghan community. For over 40 years Asian Resources has been the safety net for many refugees who fled their country in fear of persecution and death. Let us all take the time to remind ourselves and others that Afghan families will always have a home at Asian Resources.
Asian Resources offers a variety of community resources that range from naturalization services that include citizenship application assistance and test preparation. We also offer English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Classes which prepare our clients to pass the citizenship exam. We offer financial literacy workshops in their native language to educate them about United States banking and financial systems. We also offer job skills, including job placement and training.
These programs are consistent with Asian Resources’ commitment to enhancing the quality of life and the economic well-being of immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities.
For more information, please visit our website at asianresources.org