They are already slowly pouring into the state.
CLARKSTON, Georgia – Governor Brian Kemp opened the door for Afghan refugees to settle in Georgia. For this he receives praise and criticism.
Clarkston has resettled countless Afghan immigrants since the US took over the Taliban 20 years ago.
Aid agencies saw an increase in Afghan refugees earlier this month – before the Afghan government broke up and the Taliban took power. And 64 of these refugees ended up in Georgia. In the meantime, 18,000 more have applied for an emergency move – and the trend is rising.
“There are 53,000 family members who are also at risk. So closer to 80,000 people trying to evacuate who have ties to the US military and need to be brought to safety,” said Paedia Mixon of New American Pathways, a refugee and Immigration organization.
Opened the door to further resettlements in Georgia in a statement criticizing President Joe Biden, Governor Kemp added: “It is vitally important to protect those who have worked with the American armed forces for the past 20 years from harm . ”Kemp also called for the Americans to be evacuated immediately.
RELATED: Biden: Troops Will Stay In Afghanistan To Evacuate Americans
Kemp received praise from refugee advocates – but criticism from immigration hardliners.
“Georgia shouldn’t welcome Afghan refugees when thousands of Americans are stranded,” wrote Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene on Twitter. “Check them out outside of the US.”
Proponents said they overlooked the risks Afghans have taken on behalf of US forces.
“People are actually afraid for their lives. Not just for their own lives, but for the lives of their families in retaliation for any help they gave our military, ”said Brenda Lopez Romero, Gwinnett County’s immigration attorney.
RELATED: Georgia Veterans Split Over Decision to Bring Troops Home from Afghanistan
Women are particularly at risk because the Taliban do not respect gender equality.
“Women are very concerned – whether they support troops or not – simply because they are women and girls and fear for their lives. And they fear for their ability to be free, ”said Romero.
Kemp has stressed that Afghan refugees should be fully screened before entering the US. But immigration policy is run by the federal government, not the state.
