The Plight of Rahmani: A Refugee’s Struggle for Survival in America
Rahmani, a father of two, worked for a U.S.-backed organization in Kabul, Afghanistan, which made him a potential target for Taliban retribution. Seeking safety, he relocated to the United States through a vetted legal migration program in November. This program, designed to help refugees achieve self-sufficiency, typically provides three months of wraparound services, including housing, food, and job placement, with federal grants supporting them for up to five years. However, Rahmani’s journey to stability was abruptly derailed when the Trump administration cut funding for the federal refugee program in January. His relocation services were halted after just two months, leaving him without the extended rental assistance he would have otherwise qualified for. Now, Rahmani spends his days job hunting without success, his anxiety growing as he struggles to pay rent and provide for his family. His story is just one among thousands of newly arrived refugees facing similar challenges in America.
Resettlement Agencies in Crisis: Funding Disruption and Layoffs
Rahmani is a client of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), a faith-based resettlement agency that has been severely impacted by the funding disruption. LSSNCA is Waiting on $3.7 million in federal reimbursement for services already provided, leaving it struggling to meet payroll and maintain its support programs. The agency has been forced to lay off 75 staff members and furlough seven others, causing its services to collapse "like dominoes." Many of LSSNCA’s clients, including Rahmani, are Afghan allies who worked alongside U.S. troops or for U.S.-backed organizations. Despite their sacrifices, they now face an uncertain future as the agency’s capacity to assist them dwindles. The situation is dire, with LSSNCA’s staff working tirelessly to fundrais
