BUFFALO, N. Y. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is providing assistance with the settlement of Afghan refugees in Buffalo ( WKBW).
The help center, which is set up at the Hyatt in Downtown Buffalo, offers solutions to those looking for housing, education, job prospects, immigration services, and much more.
It kicked off on Wednesday, and it’s going to be there until Saturday.
On Thursday, 7 News ‘ Lia Lando gave a speech to those working to improve their lives in America as well as those who wanted to use the service offered.
Helal Massomi remarked,” When the Taliban took control, it was difficult for me to continue living it.”
Massomi, one of the thousands of Afghans who have fled, claimed that her work was putting her life in danger.
They would view me as a spy for the United States and shoot me if I stayed there, according to Massomi, a former state employee who also served as an ally to the United States.
She claimed that she had no other choice but to move away from her friends and family in 2021 and begin a fresh life around.
” It’s really difficult. She explained and said,” but I chose never to give up the pain I endured while coming here, and I know that it’s happening with all the Afghans that come here after the invasion of Afghanistan.”
Massomi is now one of the many individuals who is assisting others in similar circumstances. She serves as an Afghan Policy Advisor with World Protection at the support centre.
” It’s more than 76, 000 individuals who need help with resettlement”, said Massomi.
Taj Dawlatzai and his family and 5-month-old child traveled to Western New York in January, and Thursday marked his second evening there.
” I come here to get some info about immigration, training, cover and various sections”, said Dawlatzai.
He claimed that he and his relatives are content and prepared to work.
” I want to get the training program here in the United States and I want to start a business in design”, said Dawlatzai.
His family intends to attend Monroe Community College to study company. He claimed that he is concerned for his Afghan home and wants to assist them in finding a home.
” And for that reason, I come here to find a good way and a legitimate means to get them to the United States”, he said.
” It’s terrible what can happen to people that are left behind”, explained Kim Staffieri.
Staffieri and Jill Marie Bussey accompany the Afghan Support Center in their efforts to assist individuals like Dawlatzai.
” There are other services providers here very who provide mental wellness assistance, job training and possibilities”, said Bussey, an immigration counsel.
The only thing we notice about the Western New York area is how incredible community help levels are,” Staffieri, a member of the Association of Wartime Allies, said.
Massomi expressed concern for her family’s continued presence in Afghanistan despite feeling at home there.
” It’s really hard, extremely difficult… especially with the challenges that they’re getting from Taliban and they’re changing their places every time. They just need a little bit of serenity to remain surviving”, said Massomi.
The help center is open through Friday from 10 a. m. to 7 p. m. and Saturday from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.
