How Maine is Welcoming Afghan refugees

Summary

The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan and the withdrawal of U.S. troops in August triggered a massive humanitarian crisis in the country as thousands of Afghans fled. Now Maine is one of many states welcoming some of the 50,000 Afghan refugees expected to be resettled in the United States. Charles Mugabe, who is a refugee himself and now a counselor with Catholic Charities, discusses the issues the most recent refugees are facing.

Five Facts

• Who is interviewed for this piece and what is his background?
• What are some of the ways refugees are welcomed to communities by both government officials and private citizens and organizations?
• When did the Taliban complete its takeover of Afghanistan, leading to tens of thousands of refugees leaving the country?
• What are some of the traumas and dangerous conditions refugees face that are mentioned in this piece?
• Why is adjusting to life in the U.S. sometimes difficult for refugees?

Focus Questions

What do you think are some of the most difficult challenges facing refugees new to the U.S., and how can the federal government best support them? How about local communities?

Media literacy: Who would you like to hear from, or what would you like to see, to better understand how refugees adapt to life in the U.S.?

For More

See this story for a more personalized take on what it’s like to be a refugee, or watch the video below.

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Extra.

Visit Share My Lesson's Immigration Collection or Immigrant Heritage Month Collection for more resources.