Two years ago today, the Taliban entered Kabul. They swiftly took power and began targeting people they viewed as enemies of the regime — including Afghans with American educations. That includes dozens of Fulbright scholars. A small resettlement organization in Tennessee is trying to help them escape and eventually come to the U.S.
‘Jacir’ is a film about a Syrian refugee who navigates poverty and racism in Memphis. The film’s director can relate.
‘Jacir’ is the first full-length feature from director Waheed AlQawasmi, who moved from Jordan to Memphis at the age 13. The drama follows a Syrian refugee resettling in the South, showcasing the best and worst parts of humanity.
Curious Nashville: How the city became a destination for Kurdish families, and how the community is evolving
You may be aware that Nashville is home to the biggest population of Kurdish people in the United States — Kurds, who are considered the largest ethnic group in the world without a sovereign state. But one Curious Nashville listener asked how Nashville came to be such a destination for Kurds. The answer is multi-layered.
‘We want to work’: Ukrainian refugees are resettling around Nashville but paperwork is preventing them from building independence
More than 70 Ukrainian refugees have made their way to Middle Tennessee since the start of the war earlier this year. But their resettlement process looks different from many others.
‘I never forgot the journey’: Afghan refugees reflect on the day they left Kabul and the lives they’re building in Nashville
For many of the more than 300 Afghan refugees who attended the Islamic Center of Nashville’s December welcome dinner, this was the first chance to see what life will be like in Tennessee.
Welcoming Afghan refugees to Middle Tennessee
In this episode, we hear the stories of the people who have been resettled here. Then, we learn about how Tennessee’s refugee resettlement infrastructure works. Finally, we hear how the community came together to fill in the gaps in the system and how listeners can help.
A Middle Tennessee agency prepares to resettle another wave of Afghan refugees
Middle Tennessee has received more than 500 people fleeing Afghanistan since last October. And even more are on the way. One local agency is expecting nearly one hundred additional Afghan refugees by the fall.
Many Afghans Coming To Middle Tennessee Aren’t Technically Refugees — And Won’t Get The Same Government Benefits
Middle Tennessee is poised to accept hundreds of Afghans fleeing their home country between now and next spring. But, because of their immigration status, some won’t be eligible for programs designed to help refugees restart their lives. Resettlement leaders say Afghans will need to rely much more on family, charities and volunteers to help meet their needs.
A Muslim-Hosted, Interfaith Donation Drive In Nashville Brings Support For Afghan Refugees
Organizers say a donation drive this weekend for newly arriving Afghani refugees was more successful than expected. Imam Ossama Bahloul of the Islamic Center of Nashville says people of diverse faith backgrounds showed up in droves to drop off personal items Saturday. The drop-off location on 12th Avenue South was busy from start to finish, he […]
‘We Don’t Look Back, We Look Forward’: A Syrian Family Rebuilds Their Life In Murfreesboro
This year marks a decade since the start of the Syrian civil war that has caused more than 6.5 million people to seek refuge around the world, including Kinan Alrifai and her family in Middle Tennessee. The John Overton High School science teacher spoke with WPLN News about the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding their lives here.
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