California funds community resource event for Afghan community
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The protection status is set to be removed in July for refugees from Afghanistan living in San Diego County.
Now, state and local advocates are hosting a free community resource event open to all Afghan community members and allies all week long at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley.
The event is free and is being paid for by the state of California, and comes on the heels of the Trump Administration moving to end temporary protection status for thousands of Afghan refugees in July.
'It's important for your viewers to know the federal government will not be there,' said founder of #AfghanEvac, Shawn VanDiver. He's one of the speakers at the event.
VanDiver says the fair is to help guide the Afghan community to the resources they need from food assistance, housing, and mental wellness to job placement. Immigration attorneys will also be available to discuss status questions.
'If you're an Afghan and waiting for family or waiting for permanent status, you don't know what to believe or what to expect. It's scary,' said VanDiver. 'They can get help from qualified immigration attorneys to help them navigate those things. They should not be leaving without checking with a qualified immigration attorney first.'
There will also be a job fair at the event to help with placement. The event is being held every day through Friday and runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
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