Afghan immigrants to arrive in Lewiston this week

PORTLAND (WGME) – According to Catholic Charities, 74 Afghan refugees have resettled in Maine following the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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Most, if not all, are in greater Portland.

The first group of new Afghan immigrants will arrive in Lewiston this week, with the rest coming at staggered times between now and March.

Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services in Lewiston is sponsoring the 50-100 Afghans who will soon make Maine their home.

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"Almost all of them are coming from U.S. bases," Rilwan Osman of Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services said.

Osman says some already have family or friends already in Maine.

"When we heard about the Afghans coming in, we decided to see if we could help them," Osman said. "We went through those challenges, and we want to make sure that they don't go through the same challenge that we went through."

He says the support's been overwhelming with people donating clothing, food and other items for the families.

"It's still coming in,” Osman said. “And I just want to thank the community. We have been getting calls. This morning, I got over 5-10 calls just wondering, ‘How can we support? How can we donate?’"

Osman says refugees in Lewiston know what it's like to have no choice but to flee your country.

"And that's why we have the passion of helping people, families coming in,” Osman said. “And supporting them with the transitioning into a new culture, new country."

Osman says unlike asylum seekers who have to wait six months to work, the Afghans already have work visas.

And because they've worked for the U.S. government, are multi-lingual and have college degrees, he says it won't take long for them to find jobs in Maine.

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"When they come in, they are going to be self-sufficient within a couple months," Osman said.

The first group of Afghans will arrive at the Portland Jetport this week. From there, they'll be picked up and driven to Lewiston to their temporary homes. Apartments are already lined up for those who need them.

If you'd like to support the Afghans coming to Lewiston, click here.