Hundreds Of Afghan Refugees Arrive In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Several hundred Afghans have arrived in Philadelphia as the Taliban takes control over Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

According to the city, 505 evacuees flew into Philadelphia on Saturday and an additional 378 arrived Sunday, bringing the total number to 883.

More are expected to arrive Monday.

Evacuees have an array of city, state, and federal agencies as well as local hospitals and non-profit partners are in Terminal A-East providing various services after evacuees deplane and are cleared by customs.

These include culturally appropriate food, comfort items, diapers, and hygiene products; a general medical evaluation that includes a required COVID test, physical and mental health support services, and the opportunity to get a COVID vaccination; escorts to retrieve luggage; and transportation to their next destination.

The city is providing on-site interpretation in Dari, Pashto, Urdu, and Farsi, and has a space in baggage claim for reflection, meditation, prayer and religious observance.

Many of the refugees coming to Philadelphia through this operation do not speak English. To communicate with them, the city is asking for help from volunteers who can interpret in Dari, Pashto, Urdu, or Farsi. All volunteers who can provide interpretation services are required first to sign up as members of the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps. The corps is a group of more than 2,500 volunteers who serve the City during public health emergencies and large-scale events.

To sign up, go online here and select "Medical Reserve Corps Organizations" from the drop down menu, then select "Philadelphia MRC" from the secondary menu.

"I’m very pleased with the high level of coordination occurring at PHL Airport to best welcome Afghan evacuees into our country," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "I thank all of the City departments involved as well as state and federal agencies, local hospitals, non-profit partners, and volunteers who have stepped up to aid our Afghan brothers and sisters during this critical time. We anticipate this operation picking up speed in the coming days and appreciate the public’s support by way of volunteering and donating in the recommended ways."