In January 2022, my husband, our three children, and I arrived in Massachusetts, seeking safety and a new beginning.
When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, our lives changed overnight. Because of our work and cooperation with American organizations, we were considered criminals. Fearing for our safety, we were evacuated through a relocation process from Afghanistan to Qatar. We were leaving behind everything we had - our home, our loved ones, and our past. Starting over in a new country was both daunting and uncertain.
During those early months, we felt lost and hopeless, unsure of what the future held. But
in our darkest moments, an organization called Ascentria, along with the compassionate
Neighborhood Support Team (NST), became our lifeline. After more than five months of moving from one camp to another, feeling displaced and unsettled, they reached out and pulled us from despair. They didn’t just help us find a home. They restored our hope, our stability, and our sense of belonging. Their kindness and unwavering support brought us to Arlington, Massachusetts, turning one of the hardest chapters of our lives into a story of resilience and new beginnings. Meeting this incredible group and experiencing their generosity was nothing short of a blessing, one that has forever changed our lives.
The beginning was not easy. Moving to a new place comes with countless challenges,
adjusting to a different culture, learning new systems, and rebuilding a sense of identity. But we were fortunate to be welcomed by a compassionate and supportive community here in
Massachusetts. People opened their hearts and homes to us, guiding us through unfamiliar
processes and helping us find our footing. Their kindness and generosity made all the difference in our resettlement journey.
Today, I am happy to say that my family is doing well. My husband and I are both working, and our children are attending school and college, pursuing their education and dreams. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities we have found here and for the stability and security we now feel.
However, with the new administration, we are deeply worried about our immigration status. We are here on a parole visa, with a pending asylum case, but the uncertainty of immigration policies weighs heavily on us. Recent decisions by President Trump’s administration have created an unsettling and distressing situation for us and many others in similar circumstances. We came here seeking safety, stability and a better future for our children, yet now we find ourselves anxiously wondering what will happen next.
Our journey has also been marked by loss and hardship. In August 2023, I lost my brother suddenly due to kidney problems. He was eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) to come to the United States, but because the process took so long, he and his family were still waiting. The poor quality of medical treatment in our home country took his life before he had the chance to start a new one here. There is a small piece of hope in that his wife and four children have been approved for SIV. Though right now, they are living in very difficult conditions. They have no source of income, and my brother’s wife and daughter are not allowed to work, leave home, or even attend school. With the recent policy changes, I fear for their future and do not know what will happen next. They are struggling, and they need urgent help.
Beyond my own family’s struggles, I know many other immigrants face uncertainty and
challenges beyond their control. Some, like my parents, were approved for SIV but have had
their cases stalled, leaving them in dangerous situations. Others, like my brother’s family, face an unclear future, even after receiving approval. I believe that in this critical situation, we need more voices, more people, more organizations, to stand with those who continue to suffer because of their support for the U.S. The promises made to them must be honored. Their safety and future depend on the action and advocacy of those who can make a difference.
For the resettlement journey, there is hope. The path is challenging, but there are people who care, who stand with you, and who want to help. And to those who have supported newcomers like us, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your kindness, your open heart, and your willingness to embrace others truly make a difference. We carry this generosity in our hearts, and it has inspired us to give back in any way we can. As we continue to build our lives here, we are committed to being productive, kind, and responsible members of this society, to contribute, to help others, and to pay forward the support we have received. This community lifted us up in our hardest moments, and we hope to do the same for others in need.
But our journey is not just our own. Many immigrants remain in uncertain situations,
facing obstacles beyond their control. We still need the support and advocacy of our communities to ensure that families like mine have the opportunity to build stable, meaningful lives here.
Thank you all for listening to my story. May we continue to support and uplift one another in faith and love.