The 21st Show

Afghan Refugees in Illinois

 
In this Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, file photo, families evacuated from Kabul, Afghanistan, walk through the terminal to board a bus after they arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport, in Chantilly, Va. U.S. religious groups of many faiths are gearing up to assist the thousands of incoming refugees.

In this Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, file photo, families evacuated from Kabul, Afghanistan, walk through the terminal to board a bus after they arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport, in Chantilly, Va. U.S. religious groups of many faiths are gearing up to assist the thousands of incoming refugees. AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe

Hundreds of Americans were still waiting to leave Afghanistan amid the chaos of the withdrawal, and many thousands more Afghans were not able to get out. Some did, however, and in the coming weeks, about 500 Afghans are expected to arrive here in Illinois. The 21st was joined by an Afghan who has first-hand experience coming to a new country — twice — as well as the executive director of The Refugee Center in Champaign and an organizer from World Relief Quad Cities. 

GUESTS:  

Omidullah Barikzay

Born in Afghanistan, family resettled in Rock Island, Illinois  

Kaylee Fisher

Church Mobilzer, World Relief Quad Cities

Lisa Wilson 

Executive Director, The Refugee Center in Champaign

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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