Colorado Refugee Services Program

Thank you for your interest in supporting Afghan evacuees resettling in Colorado. The situation is changing rapidly, and the State of Colorado is committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information we can.

Frequently asked questions about Afghan arrivals

Note: This FAQ was updated on May 13.

How can I help? 

The State of Colorado is no longer accepting material donations to support Afghan resettlement efforts. Please visit Colorado’s resettlement agency websites to explore opportunities to volunteer and make in-kind and financial donations: 

• ECDC/African Community Center
• International Rescue Committee
• Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains

The Colorado Afghan Evacuee Support Fund, fiscally sponsored by Rose Community Foundation, works to ensure that Colorado is prepared to welcome Afghan evacuees and connect them with community resources. Learn more about the fund and how you can support it.

Explore the Colorado Refugee Connect website to identify other organizations supporting newcomers in Colorado. 

Which Afghans were evacuated? 

The Afghans who were prioritized for evacuation were individuals who served the U.S. government and U.S. contractors in our country’s efforts in Afghanistan, as well as other individuals who worked in supportive roles to further the mission of coalition forces in Afghanistan, including, but not limited to journalists, women’s rights activists and more. Their alignment with this mission has put their lives and the lives of their families at risk. 

What immigration status(es) do recently arrived Afghans have? 

Immigrant communities often have a variety of immigration statuses, and despite fleeing for similar reasons, Afghan evacuees may ultimately arrive as refugees, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, or humanitarian parolees. Immigration is a federally-managed process, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security serving as the lead agency. Additional information for Afghans can be found on the USCIS website.

Given the urgency of the situation in Afghanistan and the speed of the evacuation, the majority of individuals who have been evacuated have arrived or will arrive in Colorado with a humanitarian parole status. Humanitarian parole allows for admission to the U.S. due to an emergency. As a result of the continuing resolution passed by Congress and signed by President Biden on September 30, 2021, humanitarian parolees are now eligible for the same types of programs and services available to refugees and other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible populations. 

In addition to humanitarian parolees, some individuals will ultimately arrive with SIV status, as refugees or SI or SQ parolees*. SIVs, refugees, humanitarian parolees, and SI and SQ parolees are all Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible populations, so they will qualify for programs and services currently available for refugee populations, such as those coordinated by the Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP).

Have unaccompanied minor children arrived in the U.S.?

There were unaccompanied minor children among the evacuated Afghans and they were placed in the Unaccompanied Children’s Program with the Office of Refugee Resettlement in order to identify family reunification options. Since last fall, a handful of these youth have entered Colorado either as part of family reunification with family or kin in Colorado, or through acceptance into a placement with the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Program. Colorado is actively seeking foster families to provide a home and care for these youth, the majority of whom are male aged 16 years or older. For more information about becoming a foster parent for the URM Program, please connect with Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Foster Care program.

How many Afghans have arrived in Colorado? 

Between September 2021 and February 2022, a total of 2,067 Afghans arrived in Colorado. 

Afghans have been the largest population arriving in Colorado for the last two years. The State of Colorado and its partners have experience working alongside Afghans as they rebuild their lives.

Who is leading the federal government’s response? 

President Biden asked the Department of Homeland Security to lead the efforts. You can find out more about Operation Allies Welcome here.

Will more Afghans come to Colorado as a part of Operation Allies Welcome?

Yes. Operation Allies Welcome is currently leading a much smaller "Phase II" of this effort. An estimated 3,500-5,000 Afghans will be resettled in the U.S. as a result of this effort. Based on historical resettlement patterns, Colorado anticipates that an additional 150-190 Afghans will be resettled in Colorado during the Spring and Summer of 2022 via this effort. 

Who is leading Colorado’s response? 

There is a strong and coordinated statewide response to ensure that Colorado is prepared to receive Afghan evacuees. The Office of New Americans, CRSP, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are the lead partners developing the response under the guidance of the Unified Command Group. Colorado’s three refugee resettlement agencies — ECDC/African Community Center, International Rescue Committee, and Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains — will serve as frontline implementing partners in collaboration with additional local community agencies. Two additional long standing partners — Jewish Family Service and Project Worthmore — are serving as temporary resettlement agencies in order to provide additional capacity to serve Afghans at this time.

What support is available for Afghans? 

The majority of arriving Afghan evacuees will receive services at resettlement agencies. Initial services, coordinated through a cooperative agreement between resettlement agencies and the Department of State, are time-limited. These services include help with setting up long-term housing, like a rental apartment, and financial assistance. Most arrivals will be welcomed by one of the resettlement agencies. However, we may also see newcomers in Colorado arrive through self-directed means or through new and relatively small models developed by the federal government. These individuals should first seek assistance directly from the resettlement agency of their own choosing. Resettlement agency contact information and additional core service provider contact information is listed on the Core Programs & Services document, available in English, Dari, and Pashto. 

Services through partner agencies past the initial services are coordinated by CRSP. These partners include refugee resettlement agencies, schools and community health care centers. Learn more about the types of programs and services here and here. Afghans arriving as humanitarian parolees, refugees, SIVs, or other statuses that make them eligible for refugee services, will be eligible for the wrap-around services that CRSP provides. These individuals are also eligible to apply for other programs like food assistance or Medicaid. To better understand eligibility for a wide array of programs, refer to the benefit eligibility for Afghan evacuees resource.

How can I hire an Afghan?

Afghan evacuees are eager to gain employment in Colorado and bring a variety of skills, education, and professional backgrounds. If you are an employer, please connect with Heather Poynter-Lausch at Heather.Poynter-Lausch@state.co.us to share additional information regarding your openings, needed skills, compensation and more. Explore this Guide to Hiring Afghans to learn more. 

What medical screening or health support is in place for new Afghan arrivals? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides medical screening guidance to ensure the health and safety of Afghans and the American public. CDC has established guidance for medical screening for SIVs and humanitarian parolees. Both populations will receive a routine screening exam at U.S. military bases. Screening includes: 1) age-appropriate vaccines (including MMR, IPV), 2) COVID-19 vaccination and test; 3) screening for tuberculosis and 4) as needed, disbursement of medically-indicated prescriptions (such as heart medications) in a thirty-day supply (or as directed by a physician). 

The state of Colorado and partners are working closely to ensure newcomers are connected to healthcare and mental health services. 

How is national security being prioritized and maintained as Afghans enter the U.S.?

There is close coordination between key federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Defense, and the National Counterterrorism Center. Together, these entities are ensuring national security as they vet and welcome Afghan evacuees to the U.S. Learn more on the Operation Allies Welcome website. 

How is COVID-19 safety being maintained as Afghans arrive in the U.S.? 

All evacuees from Afghanistan are being tested for COVID-19 upon arrival into the U.S. and quarantine protocols are in place for anyone testing positive. COVID-19 vaccines (Johnson and Johnson) are provided at military bases in the U.S. The federal government has stated that a COVID-19 vaccination is required to maintain humanitarian parole status. 

I am an Afghan, or am working with one, and I have not received my documentation, such as my Employment Authorization Document. What can I do?  

Most applications for documentation were processed while Afghans were guests at the military bases (Safe Havens). These documents will be mailed to the resettlement agency who received the case. If you have not received your documents, first reach out to your resettlement agency case manager. You may also reach out to afgovdocs@iom.int.

 

*SI is “Nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan serving as interpreters with the U.S. Armed Forces” 
SQ is “Certain Iraqis or Afghans employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government.”

Welcome packet for Afghan arrivals

This welcome packet is intended to provide Colorado's Afghan newcomers with many resources that they will need. It is available in several languages:

• English
• Dari
• Pashto

Afghan evacuee overview and benefits eligibility

Explore this resource to learn more about the immigration statuses of arriving Afghan evacuees and their eligibility for a variety of federal, state, and local programs. It is available in several languages:

• English
• Dari
• Pashto

Core programs and services: A guide for Afghan humanitarian populations

This list of resources, which is intended for Afghan people arriving in Colorado, provides contact information for resettlement agencies, county human services agencies and other key programs. It is available in several languages:

• English
• Dari
• Pashto

Community sponsorship

In response to high Afghan arrivals in late 2021 and early 2022, the federal government established two alternate refugee resettlement models. Sponsor Circles and the Institutional Partner model are forms of "community sponsorship," with dedicated leadership for resettlement from individuals instead of organizations. This introduction helps community partners understand community sponsorship, and the more extensive guide supports sponsor groups to effectively partner with the state and help sponsored families access key resources and benefits.

Colorado Afghan Evacuee Support Fund

The Colorado Afghan Evacuee Support Fund, fiscally sponsored by Rose Community Foundation, works to ensure that Colorado is prepared to welcome Afghan evacuees and connect them with community resources. Learn more about the fund and how you can support it.