Over the past week, we have witnessed growing humanitarian crises across the globe. In Afghanistan, the Taliban has taken control of all major cities and many Afghans are attempting to flee the country in search of safety. Meanwhile, in Haiti, citizens face both a political and environmental crisis. In July, president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated and this weekend a 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed thousands and left even more in danger.
We are heartbroken by these terrible atrocities, and we call on the Biden administration to strengthen and expand protections for refugees from Haiti and Afghanistan.
We are committed to supporting the Haitian and Afghan communities in the Greater Boston area during this difficult time. If you are a Harvard community member from Haiti or Afghanistan who has concerns about your immigration status, please contact the Harvard Representation Initiative for a free immigration consultation by calling 617-495-6648 or emailing hri@law.harvard.edu.
How you can help
We have compiled a list of some of the many organizations that are offering resources and support for communities in Afghanistan and Haiti.
Donate to support Haitians:
- Boston Foundation Haiti Fund
- Fokal Haiti Relief Fund
- Haiti Communitere
- Haitian Emergency Relief Fund
- Haitian Health Fund
- Hope for Haiti
Donate to support Afghans:
In addition to donating, please join us in calling on the White House and Congress to expand and expedite access to the U.S. resettlement program for Afghan refugees. We also encourage you to urge President Biden to increase his support for refugees in 2022.
If you are an attorney or legal advocate who is assisting Afghan Immigrant Visa holders or applicants, you can find more information in AILA’s recent Practice Pointer.
Image by Nicolas Lampert.