Following the fall of the Afghan government in 2021, Idaho has welcomed many families and military allies whose lives were at risk under Taliban rule. On this page you will find resources for Afghan refugees and for other community members who would like to lend a hand.
IDAHO RESOURCES & INVOLVEMENT
COMMUNITY:
The Idaho Office for Refugees operates the Afghan Cultural Center of Idaho in Boise offering classes and connection to resources.
Islamic Center of Boise helps newly arrived families with household essentials, school supplies, utility payments and hosts monthly dinners to bring families together.
The English Language Center provides language training and cultural orientation to all new refugee arrivals in Boise.
Glocal Community Partners in Boise organizes social events, accepts donated items and teaches English.
City of Good partners with Boise restaurants to provide meals to families in temporary housing.
Bridges is a community group of volunteers that supports refugees in Southwest Idaho.
Global Talent in Boise works with refugees and immigrants who have college degrees and are working to get back on their career path in Idaho.
RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES: For other inquiries, please reach out to your resettlement agency.
CULTURAL RESOURCE GUIDE from the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants
NATIONAL RESOURCES
OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT: Fact Sheet on Afghan Assistance Resources
FAMILY REUNIFICIATION: Family Reunification for Afghans web page - U.S. State Department
SETTLE IN: For information about getting settled in your new community, download the Settle In app or follow the Settle In Facebook page. Settle In is a non-governmental organization created to provide reliable information to Afghans resettling in the United States.
AFGHANISTAN INQUIRIES: Resources from the U.S. Department of State
HEALTH: Here is a curated selection of resources for Afghans and providers from the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants. Another helpful resource is this Health Navigation Toolkit from the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM).
SIV PROGRAM: Special Immigrant Visas are available to individuals who have worked as translators, interpreters, or other professionals employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. SIV holders receive the same benefits and services as do refugees under the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program. Find more information about eligibility and application requirements here. Note: The SIV program is impacted by the Jan. 20, 2025, executive order, Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid.
PRIORITY VISAS: Priority 2 (P2) visas are for Afghans who may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation but who do not qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa. These folks may have been employed by U.S. NGOs, media organizations, human rights groups, or subcontractors of the U.S. government.
Priority 3 (P3) status (or ‘family reunification’ status) is given to spouses, unmarried children under age 21, or parents of individuals already admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees. P3 application processes must be completed outside the country of origin.
Find more information about P2 and P3 eligibility and application forms here.
For additional questions related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, contact [email protected].
If you are a P2 applicant and in immediate danger, call the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Protection Line at (+93) 079 069 1746 or (+93) 070 499 6168 or email [email protected].
HUMANITARIAN PAROLE: You may apply for humanitarian parole if you have a compelling emergency and there is an urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit to allowing you to temporarily enter the United States. Find application details here from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Note: USCIS is pausing acceptance of Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, due to the Jan. 20, 2025, executive order, Securing Our Borders. USCIS is reviewing all categorical parole processes as required by that order.
IDAHO RESOURCES & INVOLVEMENT
COMMUNITY:
The Idaho Office for Refugees operates the Afghan Cultural Center of Idaho in Boise offering classes and connection to resources.
Islamic Center of Boise helps newly arrived families with household essentials, school supplies, utility payments and hosts monthly dinners to bring families together.
The English Language Center provides language training and cultural orientation to all new refugee arrivals in Boise.
Glocal Community Partners in Boise organizes social events, accepts donated items and teaches English.
City of Good partners with Boise restaurants to provide meals to families in temporary housing.
Bridges is a community group of volunteers that supports refugees in Southwest Idaho.
Global Talent in Boise works with refugees and immigrants who have college degrees and are working to get back on their career path in Idaho.
RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES: For other inquiries, please reach out to your resettlement agency.
CULTURAL RESOURCE GUIDE from the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants
NATIONAL RESOURCES
OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT: Fact Sheet on Afghan Assistance Resources
FAMILY REUNIFICIATION: Family Reunification for Afghans web page - U.S. State Department
SETTLE IN: For information about getting settled in your new community, download the Settle In app or follow the Settle In Facebook page. Settle In is a non-governmental organization created to provide reliable information to Afghans resettling in the United States.
AFGHANISTAN INQUIRIES: Resources from the U.S. Department of State
HEALTH: Here is a curated selection of resources for Afghans and providers from the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants. Another helpful resource is this Health Navigation Toolkit from the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM).
SIV PROGRAM: Special Immigrant Visas are available to individuals who have worked as translators, interpreters, or other professionals employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. SIV holders receive the same benefits and services as do refugees under the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program. Find more information about eligibility and application requirements here. Note: The SIV program is impacted by the Jan. 20, 2025, executive order, Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid.
PRIORITY VISAS: Priority 2 (P2) visas are for Afghans who may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation but who do not qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa. These folks may have been employed by U.S. NGOs, media organizations, human rights groups, or subcontractors of the U.S. government.
Priority 3 (P3) status (or ‘family reunification’ status) is given to spouses, unmarried children under age 21, or parents of individuals already admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees. P3 application processes must be completed outside the country of origin.
Find more information about P2 and P3 eligibility and application forms here.
For additional questions related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, contact [email protected].
If you are a P2 applicant and in immediate danger, call the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Protection Line at (+93) 079 069 1746 or (+93) 070 499 6168 or email [email protected].
HUMANITARIAN PAROLE: You may apply for humanitarian parole if you have a compelling emergency and there is an urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit to allowing you to temporarily enter the United States. Find application details here from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Factsheet: Benefits for Afghan Humanitarian Parolees
Note: USCIS is pausing acceptance of Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, due to the Jan. 20, 2025, executive order, Securing Our Borders. USCIS is reviewing all categorical parole processes as required by that order.
