Oregon is ready to welcome Afghan refugees, Governor Brown & state leaders say

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon is ready to help the federal government resettle Afghan refugee families, Governor Kate Brown said on Wednesday.

The governor's statement comes as the Taliban recently overtook Afghanistan shortly after the U.S. withdrew its remining armed forces from the country.

Governor Brown says she supports a letter written by state leaders, that called on the Biden administration to lift the refugee admission caps and take other humanitarion action, and help resettle families once they arrive.

READ MORE |Oregon lawmakers respond to collapse of Afghanistan

In Oregon, we welcome refugees from around the world, recognizing that resettlement is a lifeline our country provides for survivors of violence and oppression. We all thrive when we accept refugees into our communities. We benefit from the diversity of thought, opinion, and culture that refugee families bring. Oregon has welcomed more than 75,000 refugees since 1975. And these communities are a vital part of the fabric of Oregon’s history, culture, and economy.

The U.S. believes more than 20,000 Afghans could qualify for Special Immigrant Visas, but only a few thousand have made it out of the country so far.

RELATED |Pentagon says 2,000 evacuated from Afghanistan in 24 hours as flights increase

The governor said that as the situation in Afghanistan continues to unfold, Oregon will be ready to help resettle Afghan refugee families.

"Oregon will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all who call our state home – including and especially our immigrant and refugee communities," Gov. Brown said.

You can find the full letter from state leaders below:

Several Oregon leaders have also released statements after the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban as well, including U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden.