Conference in Sacramento Addresses Challenges Facing Afghan Migrants in California
Sacramento, California – A conference aimed at identifying the challenges and barriers faced by Afghan migrants in California was held in the state’s capital.
Organized by the Afghan Hope Community Association in California, the event brought together community leaders, representatives from migrant advocacy organizations, and state officials to discuss pressing issues affecting Afghan migrants, particularly undocumented individuals.
Jafar Wahidi, president of the Afghan Hope Community Association in California, stated that the gathering was organized to assess the difficulties faced by Afghan migrants and explore ways to mobilize available resources to address these challenges. He emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between the state government, service organizations, and the Afghan migrant community in California.
Burhan Nabi Zada, a community leader in Sacramento and a senior member of the association, highlighted the lack of suitable employment opportunities, economic hardships, limited awareness of U.S. laws, and mental health challenges as the most significant issues facing Afghan migrants, particularly newly arrived and undocumented individuals.
Meanwhile, Fada Mohammad Taheri, the Imam of Imam Abu Hanifa Mosque in Sacramento, voiced concerns that many U.S. agencies providing migrant support are not adequately addressing the specific needs of Afghan migrants in California.
Several other speakers at the event called on the government and support organizations to enhance assistance programs for Afghan migrants, particularly newcomers. Recommendations included:
- Educational programs to familiarize migrants with U.S. laws and legal systems
- Job creation initiatives and sustainable economic opportunities
- Streamlining legal documentation processes for undocumented migrants
- Emergency assistance programs for those without legal status
- Psychosocial and cultural counseling workshops to ease integration into American society
Sacramento, home to the largest Afghan migrant population in California, plays a crucial role in the lives of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. As the number of Afghan migrants continues to grow across the state, the demand for greater government and community support is becoming more urgent.
The conference was widely welcomed as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between Afghan migrants, advocacy groups, and government officials. Organizers expressed hope that the outcomes of the event would lead to improved living conditions and the implementation of more effective support programs for the Afghan migrant community in California.
