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.
More Questions Than Answers In First Meeting Of All-Republican Committee On Refugee Issues
The meeting comes on the heels of reports that one child went missing and another may have experienced abuse at a migrant facility in Chattanooga for 12- to 17 year-olds.
A New Bill Would Give Tennessee Lawmakers, Not Just The Governor, A Say In Refugee Resettlement
Two Republican lawmakers want to give the legislature the power to decide whether refugees should be allowed to resettle in Tennessee. The bill (SB1567/HB1578), filed by Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, and Rep. Bruce Griffey, R-Paris, is the latest in a contentious debate between the legislature and Gov. Bill Lee.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee Bucks GOP Leaders To Continue Receiving Refugees
Gov. Bill Lee announced on Wednesday that Tennessee will continue to allow refugees to be resettled in the state, defying legislative leaders within his own party. His decision comes weeks before the deadline given by President Donald Trump to states to either consent to or reject resettlements in writing.
TN Lawmakers Commission – Then Reject – Study Showing Refugees Contribute To Economy
Conservative Republican lawmakers have been trying to figure out how much refugees are costing Tennessee, so they commissioned a study to look into it. Now, those lawmakers don’t like what the researchers found.
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