UTAH

Refugee service providers request compassion for Afghans coming to Utah

Sep 15, 2021, 6:00 AM

Compassion Afghans...

An Afghan man carries a girl as he and other refugees arrive at a processing center in Chantilly, Va., on Monday after arriving on a flight at Dulles International Airport. (Andrew Harnik, Associated Press)

(Andrew Harnik, Associated Press)

SALT LAKE CITY — Refugee families who fled Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrawal and collapse of the Aghan government could use a lot of support when they arrive in Utah. 

Wanted: compassion for Afghans 

In addition to housing, employment, orientation to a new home, and the other necessities of life, Afghan refugees resettling in Utah need compassion and understanding. 

“They bring a unique perspective and they have had life experiences that many of us cannot even imagine,” said Asha Parekh, director of the Utah Refugee Services Office. “Yet, they’re coping and they’re moving on.” 

Parekh explained how many of these refugees sacrificed tremendously when they left their homes in Afghanistan. 

Catholic Community Services of Utah Refugee Resettlement Program Manager, Mark Burton, echoed that message. 

“They are human beings, first and foremost, who have happened to go through some publicly acknowledged traumatic experiences,” Burton said. “But at the end of the day, they’re humans just like me and you.” 

However, she also pointed out how resettled refugees enrich the communities they join. 

“What we have seen and what the data shows, even from the federal government, is that refugees contribute economically to the community way more than they actually take,” Parekh said. 

Burton said refugees arriving here are entering an unfamiliar environment, whether they are coming from Afghanistan or the Republic of Congo. 

The language barrier can often be the most difficult to overcome. 

“You have so many ideas that you want to express….intelligent thoughts….opinions….hopes and dreams as well. So, it can be frustrating not being able to express those fluently with all of your neighbors and all of those around you,” said Burton. 

Utah is known for its welcoming spirit

The Beehive State is somewhat famous for being a place where refugees will receive a warm welcome

Despite the pleas from local refugee services oragnizations, Utahns are already lining up to offer support. 

“All of us that work in refugee work have been getting calls from individuals, organizations, corporations, and religious support,” said Parekh. 

Parekh said the letter Utah Gov. Spencer Cox sent to President Joe Biden welcoming refugees from Afghanistan to be settled here showed his dedication to helping those in need.  

She says the response from communities around the state has been overwhelming. 

“The outpouring of support has been just incredible,” Parekh shared. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Utah

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

10 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

10 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

10 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

10 months ago

One woman is dead in a collision involving two cars in Layton Sunday night. (Jeffery Dahdah, KSL-TV...

Matt Brooks, KSL.com

1 dead, multiple passengers taken to hospital after car crash in Layton

The crash remained under investigation, and police had not yet determined a cause as of late Sunday. One woman died in the crash.

10 months ago

A man is in the hospital after falling into the Jordan River on Sunday, May 14, 2023.(Steve Griffin...

Matt Brooks, KSL.com

Man in critical condition after being rescued from Jordan River

Police issued a reminder of the dangerous state of the streams and rivers during the spring runoff after a man was rescued from Jordan River.

10 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Refugee service providers request compassion for Afghans coming to Utah