Inslee Reaffirms Washington's Support For Afghan Refugees

OLYMPIA, WA — Thousands of Afghans seeking asylum from Taliban rule have just days before the Aug. 31 deadline, at which point the White House has promised to withdraw the remaining troops aiding the evacuation effort at Kabul's international airport.

Thousands have been evacuated. Many have raised concerns that thousands more will be left behind, and a suicide bomber's deadly attack outside the airport Thursday has only added to the uncertainty.

As that unfolds, Washington state is pledging to do what it can to aid in the evacuation effort. In an open letter to President Joe Biden, Gov. Jay Inslee reaffirmed that Washington would welcome and support the people of Afghanistan.

"Since 1975, Washington has welcomed nearly 150,000 refugees from 70 different countries," Inslee wrote. "These remarkable individuals have contributed significantly to Washington’s economy and culture; they and their descendants are now inextricably connected with our future prosperity. In the past decade, almost 5,000 of these refugees have hailed from Afghanistan."

The governor also urged Biden to continue the evacuation effort.

"While you consider all ways to rapidly airlift tens of thousands of people, I hope that you work to ensure services are readily available without regard to visa status – including resettlement programming, work authorization, and financial assistance – and to mitigate the imposition of costs or fees onto these vulnerable individuals," Inslee said.

The governor's message hits on a concern shared by Seattle-based Muslim civil rights group CAIR Washington, who earlier this week shared the story of Ahmed Ismail, a man hoping to escape Afghanistan but who had been set back because he needed a special immigrant visa.

"It's been absolutely overwhelming and deeply disheartening," said Brianna Auffray, Legal and Policy Manager at CAIR Washington. "Out of the hundreds of people we're actively working with, we've only been able to get one family aboard a flight."

It's still unclear how many Afghan refugees may end up settling in Washington, but Inslee says he has directed local agencies to prepare for any new arrivals.

"Anticipating the arrival of new refugees, Washington’s state and local agencies are mobilizing to coordinate resettlement services, financial assistance, and housing," Inslee said. "Concurrently, a groundswell of support has arisen from companies, community organizations, and individuals, all offering to contribute time and resources to the relief effort. I am heartened by the news that Washington will have another opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to embrace those in need."

Inslee is not the first or only Washington lawmaker to express a desire to support the fleeing evacuees. Last week, the Pierce County Council passed a resolution asking local citizens to greet Afghan refugees with open arms, and to consider donating or volunteering to a local refugee support organization.