State of Nevada, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada Issue Joint Statement on Afghan Refugee Resettlement

Last week, the State of Nevada received confirmation from the Department of State with projections of the number of Afghans expected to be resettled in the State through the new Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) program. This new federal program will resettle Afghan Parolees.

“My staff at the Governor’s Office for New Americans are working around the clock to ensure that our refugee resettlement agencies receive the support necessary from the state in the resettlement process of Afghan parolees under this new program, and the Afghan refugees and SIVs coming to our state,” said Governor Steve Sisolak. “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Nevada is and will continue to be a welcoming state for all. I am proud of our long-standing tradition of resettling refugees and other eligible populations fleeing from persecution fearing for theirs and their families’ lives and safety, and we stand ready to support the resettlement efforts in our state and the Afghan families seeking refuge in Nevada.”

Currently, the State is projected to receive 150 individuals (50 in Southern Nevada and 100 in Northern Nevada) under this new APA program. At this time, the State is still waiting confirmation on how many Afghan refugees and SIVs will be arriving in Nevada.

“As the State Refugee Office, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada will continue to welcome and help resettle refugees in Nevada. This includes refugees and special immigrant visa holders (SIVs). It’s worth noting there are differences on the services and benefits available to this regular group of individuals who receive service from Catholic Charities, and the current group of Afghan evacuees who are fleeing from their country in light of the recent world events.” said Deacon Thomas A. Roberts, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.

In the State of Nevada, our refugee resettlement process is administered and overseen by non-profit organizations. Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada (CCSN) serves as the Office of Refugee Resettlement for the State. In addition to CCSN, we have two additional local refugee resettlement offices - ECDC African Community Center in Las Vegas and Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) in Reno. The ECDC African Community Center is administering the resettlement process for the 50 Afghan parolees coming to Southern Nevada and the Northern Nevada International Center is administering the resettlement process for the 100 Afghan parolees coming to Northern Nevada. Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada will continue to resettle Afghan refugees and SIVs coming to our State.

“ONA is supporting the vital work of refugee resettlement agencies as they continue to lead in the resettlement efforts of Afghan refugees, SIVs, and parolees in the State of Nevada,” said Charina de Asis, Director of the Governor’s Office for New Americans. “We will continue to collaborate with our refugee resettlement agencies to ensure that Afghan families have access to important resources necessary for their resettlement and integration in Nevada, and so they also feel welcome and safe in our State.”

We are currently waiting on additional information regarding the expected arrival of Afghan parolees, refugees and SIVs to our State. The refugee resettlement agencies will continue to prepare and work closely in coordination with the State. Currently, we cannot offer any arriving families for interview at this time for concerns for their safety.

About Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

Since 1941, the mission of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has been to serve those in need — the most vulnerable — regardless of race, religion or creed. This leading community resource offers help and hope with dignity as it strives to meet the diverse needs of men, women and children in Southern Nevada. Through the generosity of foundations, grants, organizations and individual donors, Catholic Charities operates 16 programs providing support to more than 4,200 people daily and encompassing four core areas: Family Services, Food Services, Immigration and Refugee Services and Homeless and Housing Services. Catholic Charities also operates the largest Meals on Wheels program and Emergency Shelter Services in Southern Nevada. For additional information, please visit CatholicCharities.com.

About the Nevada Governor’s Office for New Americans (ONA)

The Nevada Governor’s Office for New Americans (ONA) was created to promote the inclusion and integration of immigrants, refugees, and aspiring Americans into the civic, economic, and cultural life of Nevada. ONA works to bridge the world of state government and the complex changes in immigration policy that affect all Nevadans. By breaking down bureaucratic barriers that often hinder economic self-sufficiency and civic integration, ONA is working to make Nevada an even more welcoming state for all. For more information about ONA visit our website at ona.nv.gov.

###