200 Afghanistan refugees scheduled to arrive in Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The International Center of Kentucky Bowling Green said the government told them that over 200 refugees from Afghanistan will soon arrive over the next few months.

The nonprofit organization said they expect another 100 refugees among those fleeing after the Taliban invaded Kabul to arrive in their Owensboro office as well. 

The government notified the International Center that many of these refugees may arrive in Warren County as early as this week.

The International Center’s Board & Chair Allen Youngman said the culture shock may be a lot to absorb at once. 

“It’s a tough, long uncertain process, and to finally land someplace and say this is where I’m going to be for the rest of my life. It’s going to be emotional, but permission and positive sense,” said Youngman.

That culture shock is why Executive Director Albert Mbanfu asks people to help out these refugees by easing them into American culture. 

“They need somebody to hold their hands on a daily basis or at least show them around. Just shows of love, to tell them they are welcome here in society in Bowling Green,” said Mbanfu.

Currently, these expected refugees are in American military camps in the U.S.

To leave the camps, refugees 12 years or older must test negative for Covid-19 as well as receive their first Covid-19 vaccine.

Mbanfu said once the refugees reach Bowing Green, their organization will help find housing or tenants willing to offer their homes. The International Center will also help find them jobs here in the community and help them receive the necessary documentation to start their lives.

Despite the International Center’s efforts, making a life here may be hard for the refugees forced to leave their money and possessions behind.

“I’ll be surprised if they will come with any money,” said Mbanfu. “They will not have it, because once Kabul collapsed, everything collapsed with that. They will just be happy to be alive.” 

Mbanfu said one small light in this dark experience is that many of the refugees are expected to arrive with work authorizations and can help Kentucky fill its desperately needed open job positions.

“Many of them who are coming in are sure that they will have not just jobs, but good paying jobs,” commented Mbanfu.