North Dakota will be the new home for 49 Afghan evacuees later this month. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the resettlement is part of Afghan Placement and Assistance program.
The 49 individuals are among 37,000 evacuees who be placed in some 200 communities across the U.S. The majority of the 49 will resettle in the Fargo area.
Before arriving in the country, these individuals must complete a U.S. Department of Homeland Security rigorous vetting process that includes Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint-based background checks and other security screenings. They will also receive health and medical screenings, a COVID-19 vaccination and authorization to work.
Initial resettlement efforts following the U.S. military exit from Afghanistan did not include North Dakota. However, the state will collaborate on the large national effort to support vulnerable Afghans.
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Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) is the only organization in North Dakota authorized by the U.S. State Department to receive newly arriving refugees. They provide resettlement services primarily in Fargo, but can offer services within 100 miles, which includes Grand Forks.
AP photo
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