Cultural Resources - Information for Newcomers to the United States

Learn more about refugee populations resettling in the United States, including general information along with specific population backgrounders. Each backgrounder contains historical, political, and cultural information intended to cultivate a general understanding of specific refugee populations. Backgrounders are meant to aid resettlement staff in providing culturally appropriate Cultural Orientation and other services. Access the links to learn about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program along with general information about refugees.

Includes information about Afghanistan's geography, culture, practices, language considerations, and links to supporting agencies.

This backgrounder contains historical, political, and cultural information intended to cultivate a general understanding of Afghans who are arriving to the U.S. The ongoing crisis in Afghanistan is complex and spans decades. CORE produced this backgrounder to aid U.S. Resettlement Agencies (RAs) and their local affiliates to provide culturally appropriate Cultural Orientation (CO) and other services to newly arrived Afghans. The information provided is intended as guidance and does not represent the needs and challenges of all Afghans. As such, resettlement staff are encouraged to adapt their services as appropriate.

As you prepare to receive Afghans evacuated as a part of Operation Allies Welcome, CORE has compiled a list of tips and resources that you and your organization may find helpful to use in delivering Cultural Orientation and other early resettlement services. These include: preparing staff and volunteers answering questions, using trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches, navigating conversations on housing and employment, and more.

To lead the effort in support of Operation Allies Welcome, DHS established a Unified Coordination Group (UCG). The UCG reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security and coordinates the implementation of a broad range of services, including initial processing, COVID-19 testing, isolation of COVID-positive individuals, vaccinations, additional medical services, and screening and support for individuals who are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents

We’d like to offer a few ways to join in supporting our Afghan allies and ensuring they will always remember Americans’ generous and warm welcome.

A list of resources and organizations as well as recordings of events held at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin during the fall of 2021. Co-sponsored by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Western Technical College, La Crosse.

Sister Laura Nettles of Viterbo University speaks to UW-L student athletes, coaches, and faculty prior to the start of All Sports camps they will conduct for children from Afghan who were evacuated to Fort McCoy. She discusses the trauma they've experienced, the range of diversity of their ages, education levels, ethnicity, and regional identities. She provides practical advice about interacting with children and their families in a respectful and culturally sensitive way.