FAMIL

Happy New Year from FAMIL and the Afghan veteran community! Grateful to our supporters for an amazing 2023. Here's to an even more incredible year ahead!

On Veterans Day and always, FAMIL honors all veterans who have served and continue to serve our country with courage, dedication, and honor. We especially recognize those who served and safeguarded our freedom during the Global War on Terrorism. Your sacrifices inspire us all! (Photo: FAMIL and our partners at Families of the Wounded Fund honoring families of service members wounded in the GWOT.)

Check out this article by Seven Days: “Hundreds of Afghan Evacuees Are Cobbling Together New Lives in Vermont. But They Can't Help Looking Homeward.” *** Fact: Thousands of U.S.-based SIVs who served on behalf of the USG remain separated from their wives and children, with little insight on their family reunification cases and growing desperation to reunite with their loved ones. *** "These were our closest Afghan partners and best trained security forces," said Geeta Bakshi, a former CIA officer who spent four years in Afghanistan. "We have a moral obligation to take care of them, just like they took care of us." https://lnkd.in/ecQNtV8i

In loving memory of the beautiful souls who lost their lives on 9/11, and the brave warriors who took the fight to the enemy for years to come. We Never Forget.

From an Afghan veteran served by FAMIL’s Warrior Care Program: "Before, I felt hopeless and worried about my kids' future. I wondered how long I'd have to rely on others for support. But receiving my prosthetic legs was life-changing. I assured my parents, 'You don't need to worry anymore.' A few days later, I got a job and now provide for my family. Despite some challenges, I am truly happy and grateful." This young warrior was wounded in action while supporting a joint US-Afghan counterterrorism operation in October 2018, resulting in the loss of both of his legs above the knees. He later returned to duty in an administrative role, until he and his family were evacuated to the United States in August 2021. With FAMIL by his side, he received new prosthetic legs and a fresh start in the United States. (Photo: Our veteran brother with Nasir from FAMIL’s Warrior Care Program at an Afghan Support Center in Texas.)

Remembering all veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice ??

This is the story of Shawali, our brother and teammate from the Afghan veteran community. Imagine growing up amid decades of conflict. Enlisting as a soldier to defend your homeland against terrorism. Serving alongside the US Government, you risk your life daily to protect your American brothers and sisters. During the U.S. withdrawal, you are evacuated from Afghanistan and relocate with your family to the United States. You begin your American journey by striving to rebuild your life, educate your children, and work hard to make an honest living. Suddenly one day, you tragically lose your life in the country you served so faithfully—thousands of miles away from your parents, family, and homeland. Today, we grieve the loss of our brother, Shawali. He was shot and killed on Friday while working to support his family in Texas, leaving behind his wife and two young children.?We are looking to local law enforcement for answers, hoping they can bring clarity and justice to this tragic situation. May his family find light in their darkness, may the community draw strength from his memory, and may his soul forever rest in peace.

FAMIL had an exciting week at the Afghan Support Center in St. Louis, hosting guests from the Afghan veteran community. The success of our mission is evident as more of our clients overcome immigration processing delays and achieve legal permanent residence, setting them on the journey toward US citizenship. Thanks to our USG, nonprofit, and veteran partners for being part of this incredible experience! FAMIL continues to put words into action by fulfilling our nation’s moral obligation to the Afghan veteran community. Coming up next … Buffalo, New York! #veterans #immigration #moralobligation

FAMIL is coming to you live from Detroit, where we’re providing immigration services to the Afghan #veteran community. The smiles on their faces say it all. What an incredible day!

In early February, FAMIL attended the USCIS-hosted Afghan Support Center in Northern Virginia, where we met in person and provided immigration assistance to the Afghan veteran community. Handling 500 immigration consultations in four days was quite an adventure! Team FAMIL worked tirelessly (even after hours) to provide our Afghan partners with solutions to their most complex immigration issues. Our bottom line: There’s still a lot of work to done. - Over 10,000 Afghans who served on behalf of the US Intelligence Community were physically evacuated by the US Government and relocated to America. - Over 7,500 of these Afghans remain without legal status in America due to SIV and immigration processing delays. FAMIL remains committed to ensuring our closest Afghan partners secure lawful permanent residency in America. Limbo is not an option. Join us in our mission of serving those who served: www.familusa.org FAMIL #veterans #moralobligation