The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan lead to new refugees in Central New York.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – On August 20th, 2021, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and County Executive Ryan McMahon penned a letter to President Joe Biden saying they are ready and willing to accept Afghan refugees in Syracuse.
This past summer’s U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan quickly led to large numbers of refugees making their way to the U.S., though the local impacts of these families is still largely unknown.
Local charities and organizations have been resettling Afghans since early September, but the majority of these asylum seekers are still adjusting to life in a vastly different country, let alone a post-war environment.
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County recently said its already counted 248 refugees arriving in Syracuse, but estimates of the total number have been hovering between 700 and 1,000.
Depending on the amount of children and how many families eventually resettle in Syracuse, one of their many impacts could be on the Syracuse City School District, with a focus on funding, curriculum and resources.
“I think technology will be part of the solution…I’m worried that a big influx of kids when we don’t have the technology resources we need for them is going to cause some problems,” said Suzanne Slack, Chief Financial Officer of the Syracuse City School District.
However, Slack did also note that the district will likely see increased funding with these new students.
Also looking to aid these families, Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced an additional $2 million in state funding to help Afghan refugees resettle in New York State. The exact breakdown of how that money will be spent is unavailable at the moment, but many of those resettling will be in Syracuse and Central New York.