Politics & Government

Afghans Can Get Refuge In Philadelphia: State Department

The United States Department of State is offering Special Immigrant Visas for those fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan.

In this photo provided by the Spanish Defence Ministry and taken in Kabul, Afghanistan, people board a Spanish airforce A400 plane as part of an evacuation plan at Kabul airport in Afghanistan, Wednesday Aug. 18, 2021.
In this photo provided by the Spanish Defence Ministry and taken in Kabul, Afghanistan, people board a Spanish airforce A400 plane as part of an evacuation plan at Kabul airport in Afghanistan, Wednesday Aug. 18, 2021. (Spanish Defence Ministry via AP)

PHILADELPHIA — As the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan and its residents seek refuge abroad, the United States State Department has listed Philadelphia as a refugee destination.

Afghans fleeing the country following the contentious pull out of American military forces can get Special Immigrant Visas to reside in Philadelphia, according to the State Department.

Philadelphia is one of 19 cities to be featured on the list of areas where resettlement is available.

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The State Department's list is based on areas with "reasonable cost of living, housing availability, supportive services, and welcoming communities with volunteers and resources."

Pittsburgh was also included on the list.

Find out what's happening in Philadelphiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The State Department also recommends refugees find someone they know to live near or to have a resettlement agency to choose a location for them to live based on various factors.

See details on the resettlement here.

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