For almost 30 years, Mosaic has served the needs of refugees from countless global conflicts. Mosaic Family Services is well prepared to welcome Afghan refugees and assist them with beginning a new life free from fear. We will serve Afghan refugees and those with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) through our Refugee Social Adjustment Services and Citizenship Program when they arrive in North Texas. 

What is a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)?

An SIV is a visa given to people who supported the US military in Afghanistan. When the military is stationed in a country, they need nationals of that country to help with their mission. This includes and is not limited to translation, logistic support, security, and any other form of support to U.S armed forces. Usually, SIV applicants receive their Green Card once they arrive in the US. However, in the current emergency, they will be required to apply for a Green Card after they arrive. Mosaic’s Citizenship Program is uniquely qualified to assist with that process. 

Afghan SIV recipients are arriving in the United States now and will continue to arrive in the coming weeks and months. SIV recipients differ from other refugees because normally, refugees flee to a refugee camp where they must register as a refugee with a UNHCR office, and it usually takes years before they finally resettle in the United States or another country.

How Mosaic will support Afghan refugees

The current situation surrounding Afghan refugees is rapidly changing and Mosaic’s refugee and citizenship teams are actively preparing to assist Afghan refugees in the resettling process. 

Mosaic regularly works with other nonprofit and government organizations in North Texas to provide the highest quality care and support to refugees as possible. Mosaic’s refugee case managers are former refugees and have a first-hand understanding of the trauma refugees experience from war and exile. Mosaic has an established relationship with the refugee community in North Texas because of our refugee staff and history of supporting the refugee community.

The trauma these refugees suffered will continue to haunt them for many years. To assist with psychological recovery, every case manager at Mosaic is trained to provide trauma-informed care to survivors of violence and trauma. Our Refugee Social Adjustment Services case managers assist refugees to receive healthcare and other social services that help them adjust to life in the United States and become self-sufficient. Mosaic’s Citizenship Program specialists assist refugees to apply for adjustment of status (Green Card) and naturalization, obtaining fee and/or disability waivers, interpreting and translating for the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) interviews. We also refer for other needed services for citizenship, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) and civics instruction.

It’s important to recognize the important roles that refugees play in our society. Refugees start working and contributing to society almost immediately after they arrive in the United States. Every refugee’s story deserves to be heard and respected. 

Mosaic Family Services believes that Freedom, Dignity, and Justice are human rights. We are dedicated to serving survivors of human rights abuses from around the world and within our community. We create access to opportunities for our clients, empowering them toward independence. We are positioned to support Afghan refugees in creating a new life in North Texas. Please join us in welcoming, aiding, and advocating for our new neighbors.

Interested in supporting Afghan survivors arriving in our community? Here are some things you can do to help!  

1. Donate. Mosaic anticipates that we will see an increase in Afghan refugees over the coming weeks and months, many of whom are SIV recipients. Give to Mosaic to help refugees in crisis rebuild their lives. Click here to make a gift now! 
2. Become Educated. Learn more about what’s happening in Afghanistan and why it’s important to stand in solidarity with the Afghan people. Understanding the humanitarian crisis is key to accepting and welcoming refugees. Get started by visiting the AP News, the BBC and the Brookings Institute. 
3. Welcome Refugees. You can show your support to newly arriving Afghan refugees by writing welcome cards and letters of support and our refugee case managers will give the letters to their clients. Writing letters is a wonderful way to show newly arriving refugees that they are welcome and supported by the community! 

For questions about this opportunity or if you’re interested in participating, email Mosaic’s Volunteer Coordinator, Katie Jenkins at katiej@mosaicservices.org.