Thread by @afghanevac

Less than a week away from the 8th full month of non-government, private, and non-profit sector volunteers bridging the gaps in government to help keep our commitments to Afghanistan.

Folks are exhausted, frustrated, and angry.

There aren't any good answers.

Processing speed and capacity has increased but there remain thousands of Afghans waiting for processing of SIV applications, family reunification, P1/P2 referrals. Folks are hungry and scared.

All across the US Afghans are feeling forgotten and their future remains uncertain.

Many in Congress who were loud in August seem to have moved on to other things.

An adjustment of status and expansion of the SIV program may be on the horizon but it hasn't yet been introduced and our divided politics will always be a threat to getting anything done.

Afghans outside of the US at #EHC, TWC, and other spots are frustrated that our processes are plodding along slowly and seemingly no one can give them clear answers on when they're leaving. In some cases, Afghans don't know where they are eligible to go.

Volunteers across the ecosystem are fielding messages from Afghans, in the US and around the world, who are justifiably angry.

Systems are overwhelmed and there aren't enough resources to meet the need.

In turn, volunteers are frustrated and angry with government and long-standing service providers.

The moral injury is real for Afghans and volunteers and the toll is showing.

Through all of that, slow and incremental progress is being made all across government. Small changes are being made that will have a big impact, but everything moves so slowly. Every decision takes what feels like a lifetime, even as our allies are suffering.

Morally righteous, honest, and practically sound support is what Afghans need from others going forward. The former without the latter will only further burden Afghans, potentially endanger them, engender false hope, further moral injury, and foster the distrust already present.

There are only two ethical and honest ways for you to assist Afghans to leave Afghanistan and immigrate and resettle in another country. One with actual legitimate existing immigration options to the US or another country.

The second is with the UNHCR. Some people know that they can help with one of those pathways because they have experience and/or connections, and there are others who hope to be helpful.

Those who hope to help must be honest with themselves & the Afghans with whom they communicate, handoff their cases to those groups with individuals that actually can help in one of the two pathways, & transition their efforts to resettlement challenges, of which there are many.

If you feel like you're out of your depth or don't understand something, ask the question. Taking the time to understand key challenges across the ecosystem in which you want to work is imperative before furthering your efforts, lest you cause unintended harm.

It's so important to maintain a positive outlook and focus on getting the wins where we can. It's also important to acknowledge that this is hard and talk about the things that suck, even as we look toward workable solutions.

Afghans across the world need all of us to care as much today as we did back in August if we are to get this right.

Please lift your voice to let volunteers who continue to shoulder this load know their work matters to you.