The 2024 election outcome could shape the future of U.S. policies on refugee resettlement, asylum protections, and pathways to permanent residency for Afghan allies. Regardless of what happens, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) is committed to helping those seeking safety and a fresh start. Stories like Hamed’s, Patricia’s and Rahat’s show the urgency of our mission and the importance of your support during this crucial time.
Refugee Resettlement: Hamed’s Story
Refugee resettlement is a lifeline for those fleeing life-threatening situations and has been central to America’s leadership in humanitarian protection. The United States has welcomed more than 3 million refugees since the Refugee Act of 1980. Until recently, this program enjoyed bipartisan support.
The two primary presidential candidates hold contrasting views on U.S. refugee resettlement. The Biden administration restored the Presidential Determination (PD) goal to 125,000 refugees a year, while the Trump administration slashed it to 15,000. Lowering the cap closes the door on those fleeing persecution and limits LSSNCA’s ability to welcome new neighbors in the D.C. metro area.
One of those neighbors is Hamed. Originally from southern Azerbaijan, Hamed lived in Iran, where he faced daily struggles and was often marginalized, denied employment and education opportunities due to his national identity.
When he realized the severity of the danger after witnessing the arrest of his friend, Hamed understood that staying in Iran posed serious risks to his family and himself. Fearing imprisonment, torture or even death, he made the difficult decision to leave his home behind.
He fled to Turkey, living there as an asylum-seeker for nearly two years. His future was uncertain until one day he received life-changing news: there was a place for him in the United States. Although he was anxious about the unknown, he saw the opportunity as a chance to rebuild. Upon arrival, LSSNCA provided Hamed with crucial support, helping him learn English, file for Social Security, obtain a driver’s license, and secure a job as a dishwasher.
Hamed, once uncertain about his future as a refugee, now serves as the vice president of a nonprofit organization that helps foreign students with housing, transportation, and peer mentorship.
Asylum Restrictions: Patricia’s Story
The election could also determine to what extent the United States continues to honor its international asylum commitments. LSSNCA has remained steadfast in the mission of welcome, opposing policies that restrict asylum access, such as the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which puts individuals in harm's way. One story that demonstrates the impact of harsh asylum policies is Patricia’s.
Patricia’s experience with the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as “Remain in Mexico,” put her and her family in great danger. Patricia, from Guatemala, journeyed to the United States in 2019 with her husband and 1-year-old daughter. After seeking asylum in the United States, the family was sent to wait in Mexico under the MPP. While in Mexico, the family was kidnapped by Mexican gangs and held for ransom for 13 days with about 70 other hostages. Patricia and her husband were only allowed to use a phone to contact family to request ransom money – which they ended up paying. But their journey didn’t end there.
The family’s U.S. asylum hearing had been scheduled while they were kidnapped. They reported the situation to U.S. immigration officials, who still served them deportation orders for missing their court date. Upon returning to Guatemala, the family continued to experience the same persecution: extortion, threats, and a lack of police protection due to corruption. Patricia’s family journeyed again in 2021 to the United States, despite their previous experience, because their fear of staying in Guatemala outweighed the risks they faced coming to the United States.
With the help of LSSNCA, Patricia and her family received the legal assistance they needed to navigate the U.S. asylum system. LSSNCA also provided mental health support to address the trauma of their kidnapping and connected them to a community that helped them rebuild their lives. Today, Patricia’s daughter is thriving in school, and the family is healing.
Afghan Allies: Rahat’s Story
For Afghan allies like Rahat, the outcome of the election may significantly impact the continuation of resettlement initiatives, their prospects for permanent residency, and the possibility of reuniting with family. For instance, the Afghan Adjustment Act, if enacted, would provide a pathway to permanent residency for those who supported U.S. forces. Without this legislation, many Afghan families face an uncertain future.
The fall of Kabul in 2021 marked the beginning of an agonizing family separation for Rahat Khpalwak, an Afghan evaluator and advocate. As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Rahat fled to the United States. Unfortunately, the chaos of the evacuation left no time to arrange for his family to escape with him, and he was forced to leave behind his pregnant wife and young child. He arrived at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, alone, his heart heavy with worry.
For nearly three years, Rahat worked tirelessly to reunite with his family, all while adjusting to life in a new country. The emotional toll of separation was immense. He spent sleepless nights, anxiously longing for the day he could hold his newborn child, born just three months after his escape, and be reunited with his wife. But the path to reunification was filled with bureaucratic hurdles.
Despite the uncertainty, Rahat remained determined. He sought help from every possible source, working closely with LSSNCA to navigate the complex legal process of family reunification. At the same time, he supported other Afghan evacuees, sharing his knowledge and experience with those around him.
In March 2024, Rahat’s long wait came to an end. His family arrived in Virginia, and for the first time, he held his youngest child in his arms. The emotional reunion was a hard-won victory. “My arms, once empty, were now filled with the family I had fought so hard to bring to safety,” Rahat said. While the challenges of rebuilding their lives in the United States continue, Rahat and his family are finally together, thanks to the support of LSSNCA and other advocates.
Rahat’s story is not unique. Thousands of Afghan allies remain separated from their loved ones, navigating a complex and uncertain path to permanent residency. The 2024 election will be critical in determining the future of policies like the Afghan Adjustment Act, which could provide these families with the legal certainty they need to move forward.
How You Can Help
At LSSNCA, we're committed to welcoming refugees, asylum-seekers, and Afghan allies. But we can’t do it alone. Your support is crucial in helping us continue to provide the legal services, mental health support, and community connections that families like Hamed’s, Patricia’s, and Rahat’s rely on.
As the 2024 election approaches, you have the power to make a difference. By donating to LSSNCA or volunteering your time, you ensure that we can continue our mission of welcoming those seeking safety and helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
