The last group of Afghan nationals from Fort Lee, Virginia has recently been resettled, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The resettlement is part of Operation Allies Welcome, an effort to help Afghan refugees integrate into the nation. Many of the Afghans coming to the U.S. aided the American military during the war in Afghanistan, according to Welcome.US.
"This historic milestone highlights the ongoing commitment and perseverance we have witnessed to safely welcome our Afghan allies to the United States through a whole-of-society effort," Robert J. Fenton Jr., Senior Response Official for Operation Allies Welcome said in the release.
Approximately 45,000 vulnerable Afghans are still undergoing the resettlement process at temporary housing facilities nationwide. They will have access to medical care and social services during this process, the release said. They can also apply for authorization to legally work.
"Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians have given – and continue to give – steadfast support as part of Operation Allies Welcome,” said General Glen D. VanHerck, U.S. Air Force Northern Command commander. "Last summer, Fort Lee was the first of eight DOD installations to welcome Afghans as they underwent the resettlement process, and today the task force at Fort Lee is the first to bid farewell to the Afghans as they proceed on to their lives in America."
Afghan evacuees undergo a sweeping screening process including biometric and biographic screenings conducted by the top intelligence and law enforcement agencies, the release said. They also receive a comprehensive range of critical vaccinations including those for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella, polio, and COVID-19.
As of Nov. 17, more than 25,000 Afghans at risk have been resettled in communities across the nation. 70% of people that came as refugees are now essential workers, Welcome.US said.
