In Laurel, Maryland, Rahmani, an Afghan father of two, faces dire financial challenges after relocating to the United States. Formerly employed by a U.S.-backed organization in Kabul, he fled Afghanistan to escape potential Taliban retaliation. However, his new life in America comes with significant hurdles, mainly due to the abrupt cessation of federal funding for refugee assistance programs earlier this year. This funding cut came at a time when thousands of refugees like Rahmani arrived in the U.S., expecting a structured support system to aid their transition.
Rahmani and his family, who arrived with help from the federal refugee program designed to assist individuals escaping persecution, now struggle with financial instability. His monthly rent and utility bills hover around $1,850, a stark contrast to his expenses back in Kabul, and he has yet to secure employment despite weeks of job hunting. As a result, the stress and anxiety of his situation have led to a medical prescription to manage his mental health. Yet, Rahmani’s primary concern remains his family’s wellbeing and finding ways to avoid eviction.
The family receives support from Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), a local resettlement agency. However, the agency itself is in turmoil, grappling with financial constraints due to the delayed federal reimbursements totaling $3.7 million. These challenges led to significant staff reductions, including layoffs impacting a third of the workforce. This reduction has compromised the quality and availability of support services for the refugees, like Rahmani, who depend on them.
The financial cuts by the previous administration also affect LSSNCA’s ability to provide rental support for newly arrived refugees. As of early March, many households faced eviction, with nearly 170 people on the brink of homelessness in Virginia and Maryland. The organization is actively negotiating with landlords and fundraising to prevent further evictions. Efforts by community members, including local churches, have generated some funds, but they fall short of replacing the frozen federal aid.
Globally, LSSNCA’s parent organization, Global Refuge, experienced turmoil due to shifting federal policies. This nonprofit, which partners with the U.S. government to resettle refugees, saw its resources strained by the sudden funding halt. At its peak, Global Refuge cared for nearly 6,000 refugees within 90 days of arrival, profoundly impacted by the abrupt policy changes.
Refugees, expectedly fleeing instability, find themselves amid uncertainty in the U.S. as well. Despite the challenges, individuals like Rahmani and others from Afghanistan and war-torn countries such as Ukraine continue to hope for better futures. Legal battles continue over the administration’s immigration policies, with some court decisions temporarily favoring refugee agencies. Yet, the program’s complete recovery is slow, with limited reimbursements received for past work.
For Rahmani, resettlement has been an emotional journey, fraught with loneliness and difficulty but occasionally sprinkled with hope. Meetings with other Afghan families have provided some community connections, though the constant threat of financial and social instability remains daunting. The idea of returning to a dangerous homeland seems increasingly viable as he considers the precarious shelter his family currently resides in.
With the support systems at risk and the prospects of rebuilding a life in the U.S. dwindling, Rahmani reflects on the harsh realities facing his future. The worry intensifies about his family’s security and stability, revealing the critical nature of timely support for refugees striving to start anew in unfamiliar lands.
