Congress reintroduced the Afghan Adjustment Act on July 13. Despite significant bipartisan support, the bill did not win congressional approval to move forward. As a result, Afghan evacuees still lack a pathway to lawful permanent residence in the U.S.

We must honor our promise and provide lasting protection for our Afghan neighbors. Otherwise, tens of thousands of Afghans will be in legal limbo, forced to navigate an asylum system that is already backlogged. Less than ten percent of the Afghan humanitarian parolees who have applied to remain in the U.S. through the Special Immigrant Visa program or asylum have been approved thus far.

Congress must revisit and pass the Afghan Adjustment Act to provide our neighbors the welcome, dignity, and stability they deserve.

by Sofiia Fedotova, Refugee Resettlement Caseworker



Arsen and his family escaped the war in Ukraine and came to the U.S. on April 2023 under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) Sponsorship Program. They received a warm welcome, and their sponsor helped them to find an apartment in Citrus Heights.

Once settled into their new apartment, they were enrolled in Opening Doors’ Preferred Communities Program for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees. The program assisted them in accessing needed benefits and basic services.

Alongside an Opening Doors’ Case Manager, the family applied to receive food stamps, cash assistance, and Medi-Cal coverage. They were also referred to the Refugee Health Clinic for their first medical screening and provided with information on accessing local food banks. Soon after, Opening Doors helped them to obtain their Social Security Numbers (SSNs). Read more

Opening Doors' Afghan Women Wellness Program began an online training on July 10 to assist 25 Afghan women’s path to stability, self-sufficiency, and belonging.

The 12-week training promotes mental and physical wellness for Afghan women by building a community of support for women. It provides a space where they can learn valuable life skills like how to care for themselves and their families, schedule medical and other appointments, apply for a driver's license, manage their finances, and much more.