Press Release
Published on September 19, 2022
WASHINGTON D.C. — Human Rights First welcomes today’s announcement that the State Department will launch the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans. The initiative will enable groups of individuals to form sponsor circles to provide initial resettlement assistance to Afghans relocated to the United States under Operation Allies Welcome.
“Americans are deeply committed to welcoming Afghans seeking refuge into their hearts and their communities,” said Jennifer Quigley, Senior Director of Government Relations at Human Rights First. “This community sponsorship model will allow veterans and Americans across the nation to directly support Afghans to rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity – while adding to U.S. resettlement capacity. The program is good news for Afghans and for the thousands of Americans standing ready to support them.”
Human Rights First has long advocated for the private sponsorship of people seeking safety in the U.S. In their blueprints for the Biden administration, Walking the Talk, Human Rights First called on the incoming Biden administration to “explore potential private sponsorship over and above the annual presidential determination” as an avenue to strengthen and increase U.S. resettlement capacity.
