SUNY is joining other colleges nationwide in welcoming Afghan refugees following the Taliban’s rise to power.

SUNY’s campus at Buffalo State College is spearheading the initiative among SUNY schools. Here, an estimated 100 evacuees are slated to be placed in transitional housing.

“SUNY is currently working with resettlement agencies across New York state, particularly in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany in order to connect incoming Afghan evacuees with free educational opportunities,” Jackie Orchard, SUNY Spokesperson said. “SUNY looks forward to welcoming Afghan evacuees with opportunity and dignity.”

In order to move the initiative forward, SUNY is partnering with organizations such as the Catholic Charities of Buffalo, the International Institute of Buffalo, Jericho Road Community Health Center, Jewish Family Services and Journey’s End Refugee Services.

As of now, SUNY Oswego has not placed any Afghan refugee students on campus, said Wayne Westervelt, SUNY Oswego’s cheif communication officer. 

“We can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow with compassion, imagination and grit, and there are vast resources across the state to give the Afghan evacuees a solid start here in the United States,” said NY Gov. Kathy Hochul during a press conference Oct. 14. “The arduous journey that thousands of Afghans have taken over the last few weeks is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter that we can help them write.”

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there is a total of 2.6 million registered Afghan refugees worldwide.

SUNY would provide assistance for refugees aged 12 and above. That assistance would include access to laptops and other equipment they may need for educational purposes, officials said.

“Public higher education empowers social mobility and social progress,” said SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras during the Oct. 14 press briefing. “We are made stronger by their stories and their heritage, and we welcome them with safety and opportunity.”

Aside from Buffalo, other areas statewide that will see an influx of Afghan refugees arrive as part of the partnership with SUNY include Rochester, Syracuse and Albany.

The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan Aug. 14 shortly after President Joe Biden ordered American troops there to repatriate putting an end to the 20-year war there.

The Oswegonian has reached out to the International Institute of Buffalo for further comment, although they declined further comment citing clients’ privacy and safety.

The State Department has also been contacted for comment, but has yet sent a response.

Images courtesy of Jackie Orchard