Afghan Evacuees Begin Arriving In Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND — The first wave of evacuees to flee the war-torn country of Afghanistan have finally arrived in Rhode Island, multiple news outlets confirm.

A plane carrying a family of six touched down Saturday night at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. The family is the first of an estimated 250 refugees expected to make the state their new home.

“I’m going to start a new life like a new born baby,” Aminullah Faqiry, who arrived over the weekend with his family, told WLNE. "If I had not gotten out my life would’ve been in danger."

Faqiry served as an interpreter for the U.S. military. His country is now under Taliban rule following the U.S. military's withdrawal from the country in August.

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• Rhode Island 'Stands Ready To Welcome' Afghan Refugees: Governor

Shortly after the military's exit from Afghanistan, Gov. Dan McKee pinned a letter to President Joe Biden, informing him that Rhode Island was ready to accept refugees into the state.

"We certainly won't bring on more than we can handle ... We won't promise more than we can deliver," McKee told members of the media at the time, adding that "all 50 states should step up and do their part."

A representative for the Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island told WPRI that up to six Afghan families will be transported to Rhode Island each week until March. According to the organization, which helps refugees and immigrants adapt to their new life in Rhode Island, will help provide housing. Larger families, however, will temporarily stay with host families since housing is in short supply.

As they arrive, they are expected to receive a warm welcome. As part of a community pen-pal service called “Dear R.I.,” Rhode Island residents have penned hundreds of letters to welcome their new neighbors.