In a shocking turn of events, Afghan refugees who were rescued and brought back to the US have been accused of being racist and unthankful towards agencies trying to help them in resettlement.
About 72,000 Afghans were granted parole on humanitarian grounds after the US’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the Inspector General Report revealed. They were bought into the country in 2022.
A bombshell report has found that some of them have launched verbal abuse at the staff while some of them have turned their noses up at the accommodation they were given.
The agencies, who are responsible for their resettlement, said that the most significant issues they were facing in the process in the past two years were rapid arrivals.
They also accused them of ‘inappropriate behavior’.
“For example, some RA staff reported experiencing racism and sexism from Afghan clients unaccustomed to the norms of US society,” the report explained.
Moreover, an agency reported that some offices had issues of verbal abuse from Afghans, who were upset or frustrated by the process.
“Many refugees had very high expectations and did not understand the role of local affiliates and would become frustrated with services and housing,” the report detailed.
They went on to add that some groups had been told they would receive “welcome money” when they were on US soil. Others also had unrealistic expectations about housing. “They would reject offers of homes that they deemed insufficient or of inferior quality.”
Moreover, some, who had advanced degrees and had good jobs back home, often believe they would be set up in positions within their chosen field.
The agencies have made various recommendations including standardized minimum requirements for cultural orientation, managing expectations, and conveying US societal expectations for behavior regarding gender, race, and sexual issues.
As many as nine agencies are taking part in the programme.