Central New York becomes sanctuary for Afghan refugees By Alma Jasencic
The city of Utica is preparing to receive and resettle Afghan refugees. Shelly Callahan, Executive Director of the Center- formerly the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees -has the capacity to assist 110 refugees. The Center has accepted 37 refugees so far this year.
The news of Afghan refugees has spread across the campus of Utica College. President Laura Casamento sent an email taking the opportunity to report that several Afghan refugees will be coming to the Mohawk Valley for resettlement. Utica is well-known for being a sanctuary city to those seeking asylum from persecution in foreign countries. Utica College will work with The Center to make the process easier for the Afghan refugees.
Photo from U.S. State Dept.
During the Bosnian War, Utica opened its doors for those fleeing war and genocide. This included my family, who benefited from the opportunities Utica provided. This allowed my sisters and I to receive an education and my parents to have an income to support us. Utica will do the same for incoming families from Afghanistan.
Syracuse and Onondaga County are accepting Afghan refugees as well. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon have written a letter to President Biden stating “now is the time to keep the promise made to Afghan allies, and evacuate and find safe places for them to live in the U.S.”
Several counties and states across the country have begun processing 54,000 Afghan evacuees. Afghan refugees will have the opportunity for a safe and successful life in the United States.
Alma Jasencic is a Political Science student at Utica College
