My Special Immigrant Story and Thoughts for Afghan Allies



A Florida-based reporter, Paul Garilao, asked my opinion about the news on Afghan special immigrants and refugees' resettlement in Florida.



To give you a little background about me, I began working for the U.S. Refugee Program, which lasted for four years. From there, I spent the next 18 years working for the U.S. Embassy in different departments; the last one was the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  Acquiring the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) was the best privilege I received working for the U.S. government.



What is a Special Immigrant Visa?  It is a visa program given to employees who provided long and faithful service to the U.S. government.



In my opinion, the evacuation of Afghan SIV applicants and resettlement of refugees in Florida is a political and humanitarian issue. 



I am not in the position to talk about the political side of it. However, I am an advocate for immigrants, and I support humanitarian causes.



Lutheran Social Services is just one of the many humanitarian organizations with a mission to help. They have welcomed refugees in Jacksonville for many years. They are now helping resettle the current influx of Afghan refugees in Florida. This is part of their mission, and I support them. 



I don't have the right to say that Afghan allies and refugees should not be resettled in Florida or anywhere else in the U.S. or any country.  They are people like you and me who need humanitarian assistance.



As a former employee of the U.S. Government, I sought better opportunities and life for my children in the U.S. I've been here for nine years now. I am always grateful for the Special Immigrant Visa privilege given to my family and me.



I could relate with the Afghan allies. I understand their situation, plea, and need to leave Afghanistan to create new lives for their families in this country.



For those interested in knowing, I shared my story and 25 more stories of former colleagues in my first book, What We Know for Sure: Inspirational Stories of Special Immigrants in America. Our stories were written to comfort, educate, guide, and inspire any immigrant throughout their journey to the U.S.



Here's the link to the news: https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/08/23/21/northwest-florida-to-shelter-...



Please check out my website for more information:  www.AuthorLia.com



 

Like this story?
Join World Pulse now to read more inspiring stories and connect with women speaking out across the globe!
Leave a supportive comment to encourage this author
Tell your own story
Explore more stories on topics you care about