Resources to support Afghan newcomers
This collection of resources is intended to help sponsors and Welcomers provide support and services for Afghan newcomers. This guide highlights legal assistance, immigration policy updates, language training, employment support, and other resources that are developed and frequently updated by trusted organizations.
1. General resources
- State-by-state resources (Refugee Welcome Collective) include state-specific information on cash and food assistance, healthcare, English classes, job support, and more.
- Immigration status and benefits for Afghans in the U.S. (USAHello) provides updated information about the immigration status of Afghans in the U.S and the public benefits they might be eligible for.
- HIAS Virtual Case Management (also in Dari) provides Office of Refugee Resettlement eligible populations with basic case management, social services support, financial assistance, and referrals to community resources.
2. Legal assistance resources
- Find an immigration lawyer (American Immigration Lawyers Association) is an online tool to find an immigration lawyer.
- How to find an immigration lawyer and low-cost legal help (USAHello) explains when to seek legal help and how to find trustworthy legal help.
3. Policy updates
- Policy updates hub (Welcome.US) provides up-to-date information and expert guidance on changes to sponsorship pathways and our welcoming communities.
- What do the recent U.S. immigration changes mean for Afghans? (IRAP) gives updated information on what the recent immigration changes mean for the Afghans in the U.S.
- Immigration guide (USAHello) provides updated information about immigration policy changes.
4. Mental health and wellness resources
- Mental Health and Wellness (Switchboard) includes information on behavioral healthcare, grief and healing, self-care, substance misuse, and more.
- Find mental health resources for immigrants and refugees (USA Hello) available in multiple languages to provide information and guidance on where and how to find services.
- Helping newcomers cope in unsettling times (Welcome.US) is a guide for ways that Welcomers can offer care and connection to newcomers during periods of stress and anxiety.
5. Language training resources
- Tarjimly offers free services connecting refugees, immigrants, and Welcomers with volunteer translators in real time.
- Find free translation help in the USA (USAHello) is a guide in Dari and Pashto that provides information on how to find free translators for Afghans.
6. Employment resources
- American Job Center. These centers provide job search help, training, and career counseling. You can search by city or ZIP code to find your nearest center.
- Upwardly Global is an organization that helps immigrants and refugees with college degrees to restart their careers in the U.S. They offer free training, résumé support, licensing guidance, and employer networking.
7. Housing resources
- A newcomer’s guide for renting in the U.S. (SettleIn) provides information to understand how renting works in the U.S.
- Housing resources for sponsors (Church World Service) offers a range of resources and toolkits with a service for individual appointments with housing experts.
8. Cultural resources
For additional local and state support, you can explore the following resources:
- Local libraries: Find your local library, which might offer free access to computers, internet, job search tools, language learning resources, and community programs. Many also host workshops and provide support for newcomers and families.
- Local resettlement agencies: Find the closest resettlement agencies that support newcomers with housing, employment services, legal referrals, case management, and community integration.
- Community colleges: Reach out to your community colleges that often have affordable education programs, English language classes, workforce training, certifications, and career pathways tailored to local job markets.
- Office of Human Services: Visit your state and local Offices of Human Services (or Social Services), which can help connect individuals and families to public benefits, healthcare, food assistance, childcare support, and other essential services.
