Afghan Refugee Resettlement

Catholic Charities Role in the Current Efforts to Settle Afghan Refugees

Updated:

Catholic Charities Community Services has been resettling refugees from all parts of the world since 1975. With an expert, compassionate staff of 25 who speak at least 15 different languages, our team has welcomed our first refugees who are fleeing the Taliban; we expect more over the coming weeks and months.

The refugee resettlement program provides basic necessities these individuals and families need to start a new life in our country and our team members truly walk alongside them as they start fresh in our country.

Our agency also operates the only licensed program for unaccompanied refugee minor children in the area. This program provides fully licensed, certified foster homes for children from other countries who do not have any ties in the United States. They have also gone through the U.S. government screening and vetting process and been assigned to a program like ours. At this time, we anticipate receiving some unaccompanied minors from Afghanistan who will likely be in their teens. They will be placed with a family in a licensed, certified, approved foster home. While we are accepting foster applications, all parties must meet Catholic Charities' eligibility requirements and the official licensing and certification process, which is extensive. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please complete the online form below and a member of our team will contact you.

Refugees vs. Parolees

Of the Afghans arriving in Europe and the United States right now, some are coming through the refugee resettlement process as Special Immigrant Visa Holders (SIV). Additionally, there is also a large group of Afghanis who under emergency conditions were evacuated, who have not been able to go through the standard refugee process, and are being processed overseas, and will be paroled (admitted) into the United States for urgent humanitarian protection. Some may be assisted, through private rescue organizations, so there is much uncertainty about where and when they will land. However, the state of Arizona does anticipate receiving both approved refugees who hold Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), as well as parolees.

Parishes and organizations who would like to partner with us to help refugees should contact Jaimi Weingartner, Sr. Program Manager of Parish and Community Development for Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program at (602)396-0268 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Media Contact

If you are a member of the media, please contact Holly Harmon, holly@ampersandprgroup.com or 480-510-5307 with any questions. We will continue to update this page with the latest information.

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