Category: Immigration

As an immigrant who arrived in the United States in April 2022, I came with dreams of a new beginning and a fresh start, filled with hope and anticipation. After the devastating fall of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, I envisioned America as a land of opportunity where I could rebuild my life and secure a brighter future for my family. I imagined a place where my hard work would be rewarded, where stability and prosperity were within reach. I dreamt of finding a good job, a comfortable home, and a chance to finally experience the freedom and security that had been elusive in my homeland. The promise of America was a beacon of hope, a vision of success and happiness that seemed just within my grasp. But as I soon discovered, the reality of life in the United States was far from the ideal I had imagined, revealing a far harsher and more challenging landscape than I had ever anticipated.

The financial burden was immediate and overwhelming. Despite the promises of support, the assistance I received was severely limited. The maximum direct aid of $1,025 per person, known as “Welcome Money,” was only enough to cover rent and security deposits, with just $150 to $200 allocated for both adults. There was no further rental assistance, and sometimes, community partners like MCC might provide a month of Zakat for rent after a rigorous assessment—if you met their requirements.

Refugees who come to the United States legally are eligible for public benefits. For a family of four, this means $1,366 each month, with $650 to $750 allocated for food. However, after the second month, the case is discontinued, and food benefits increase to $920 if one adult secures a job making at least $2,000 per month. Once the income reaches $4,200, all benefits are abruptly cut off. In a housing market where two-bedroom apartments cost between $2,300 and $3,000—and often exceed $2,800 to $3,000 when including utilities, laundry, home insurance, electricity, garbage, sewer, and water—this support falls alarmingly short. With additional car expenses of $150 for insurance or financing, families are left with almost nothing to cover their daily living costs.

My journey began with a mechanical shop job, a field entirely unfamiliar to me. The work was incredibly challenging, as I had no prior experience in mechanics and had to learn on the job. I struggled with complex repairs and unfamiliar tools, which made every day a test of patience and skill. Despite the difficulties, I took on this job to support my family, navigating a steep learning curve while grappling with the physical demands of the role. But I took it on to support my family and manage our living expenses. In addition, I worked as a DoorDash delivery driver. For just $6 per delivery, I frequently traveled 6 to 10 miles to pick up food and another 15 miles to deliver it. This role demanded relentless precision and perseverance. Navigating to the correct apartment, carefully placing the food at the door, and taking a photo of the delivery were small yet significant challenges. Each task is added to the daily grind, making the work both physically and mentally exhausting.

After some time, I realized that the mechanical job was not for me and started looking for a better opportunity. Within my second month in the United States, I managed to secure a job with IRC as a caseworker assistant. At the same time, I activated my Amazon Flex account. On weekends and late into the day, I took packages without knowing where they would be delivered. My first package was valued at $75. As I began delivering, I encountered remote areas in Oakland, which presented their own set of challenges. I spent five hours driving avenue by avenue late into the night, almost until 11 PM, to complete the delivery. The biggest challenge was the intense drive to the Amazon hub; arriving late meant missing packages, and missing this window even once could lead to account deactivation. One day, I got stuck in traffic and missed opportunities, which led to my account being suspended after three occurrences, with no chance for reactivation.

After a year of holding my driving license, I finally managed to activate my Lyft account, bringing a glimmer of hope as I began driving for Lyft and Uber. However, the job proved to be a grueling challenge. For just $5 per ride, I had to drive 7 to 12 minutes to pick up a rider and then another 10 to 15 minutes to drop them off. The job was physically demanding and mentally exhausting, requiring long hours and constant vigilance. I had to navigate traffic, deal with unpredictable passenger behavior, and maintain a high level of customer service. Passengers would occasionally report issues such as being too talkative, too quiet, or even complaints about cleanliness or driving speed. Accumulating more than five such reports could lead to permanent deactivation of my account, adding to the pressure. An attempt to add a new car led to my account being deactivated due to an incomplete inspection form. Despite my best efforts to resolve the issue, the account remains inactive. The job required grueling 12-hour shifts over weekends, just to earn between $250 and $300, while the wear and tear on my vehicle rapidly diminished its value. The constant stress and the financial strain made it a relentless and challenging endeavor.

Although I am fortunate to have an education and the ability to navigate these challenges, many refugees who do not speak English face an even harsher reality. They are often trapped in cycles of anxiety and depression, overwhelmed by the uncertainty of their new lives.

Access to healthcare poses a significant challenge for refugees, as the system is often complex and difficult to navigate. Scheduling necessary appointments becomes nearly impossible due to this complexity. Activating MyChart accounts, which are crucial for managing health services, can be a lengthy and frustrating process. Without access to MyChart, refugees may spend hours on the phone just trying to secure an appointment. Even when they manage to get one, urgent care visits can involve waits of up to four hours, adding to their stress and frustration. This prolonged wait time exacerbates their suffering and compounds the overall difficulty of managing their health in an unfamiliar system. The combination of bureaucratic hurdles and long wait times contributes to a sense of helplessness and intensifies the challenges faced by those seeking care.

Education for children presents an additional layer of difficulty for refugee families. Parents must navigate school districts that are often stretched to their limits, with enrollment processes that can be lengthy and cumbersome. Securing spots in schools can be a drawn-out battle, especially in areas with high demand. For families with multiple children, the challenges multiply, requiring careful coordination and significant effort. Without reliable transportation, getting children to school regularly becomes a daunting task. The lack of a vehicle can mean long commutes or even missing school altogether, compounding the stress and uncertainty faced by these families. Ensuring that children receive an education while juggling other pressing concerns often feels like an insurmountable challenge, adding to the overall burden of resettlement.

Despite the overwhelming stress and constant challenges, I am resolute in my commitment to building a better future for my children. The difficulties of life here are so profound that I often find tears welling up in my eyes, and my heart feels weighed down with sadness. Yet, the reality of Afghanistan’s worsening situation makes it clear that returning is not an option. We face immense struggles, but there is no hope for improvement if we go back. Therefore, I am determined to accept and adapt to our new life, striving to turn every obstacle into an opportunity. This journey is painful, but it fuels my resolve to provide a brighter, more secure future for my family, despite the hardships that continue to test our resilience.

Migration, as a global phenomenon, has captured the attention of social and economic researchers, encompassing economic and social aspects beyond cultural dimensions. The recent increase in migration worldwide is due to challenges in Afghanistan, bringing forth security issues, economic difficulties, poverty, social inequality, and lack of educational opportunities.

This phenomenon has a significant impact not only on a national scale but also globally. Research indicates that economic, social, and natural factors, including war, poverty, unemployment, and economic instability, are major reasons for migration from Afghanistan. A considerable portion of migrants aims to secure employment and increase income to mitigate economic and social challenges.

Afghan migrants, like others throughout history, view migration as an opportunity to improve living conditions. With advancements in science and technology, migration has become a complex phenomenon involving economic, educational, and social opportunities on a global scale.

Afghan migrants, especially after the fall of the government and the intensification of conflict, face numerous challenges. Despite these challenges, migration is recognized as a crucial factor in the development and transformation of global societies, enhancing international relations and cultural exchange.

Afghanistan, despite its war-torn history and numerous challenges, continues to face various issues. Afghan migrants must cope with these realities to establish a new life full of hope and opportunities in different parts of the world.

The Sun and Shadow of Afghan Migration: Challenges and Opportunities.

Migration from Afghanistan to other countries is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon driven by various international criteria, motivations, and causes. These migrations are shaped by natural characteristics, socio-economic conditions, and the political situation in Afghanistan. After the fall of the government and facing challenges such as human rights abuses, social needs, living conditions, and biological factors, individuals in Afghanistan seek improved living conditions, escape, and migration to other countries.

The expansion of this interconnected chain highlights significant differences between migrants who have moved to destination countries and those who still face many challenges in neighboring Pakistan. Those with better familiarity with the language and culture of the destination country, along with previous experiences, quickly adapt and succeed in the job market. Others, due to economic and security challenges or insufficient familiarity with the destination environment, continue to face numerous challenges in neighboring countries. Due to limitations in economic, educational, and occupational areas, they have been unable to experience an improved life.

As a result, socio-economic differences between these two groups of migrants play a crucial role in their life experiences and success in destination countries. There is a need for more attention and support from host communities, especially in dealing with additional challenges faced by migrants.

“America as a Destination for Migrants: Opportunities and Challenges.”

Migration to America as a popular destination offers numerous life and job opportunities to individuals from around the world. Economically and socially, the country has become one of the most dynamic societies globally, providing access to a variety of facilities and amenities that can enhance individual lives.

One of the primary opportunities in living in America is the prominence of educational facilities. The country hosts many top universities and higher education institutions globally, allowing individuals to pursue higher education and develop their skills and knowledge in various fields.

The American job market, due to its vastness and diverse range of occupations, presents numerous job opportunities. Individuals can experience diverse jobs, ranging from technology and software to various industries and services.

Moreover, the rich and diverse social and cultural life is also a valuable opportunity in America. The people in this country benefit from cultural and racial diversity, enabling them to connect with other ethnicities and cultures in various environments.

Despite these opportunities, challenges such as language issues, cultural adjustment, and immigration regulations exist for migrants. However, with a little effort and commitment, migrants can access better jobs in America. As a dynamic and extensive job market, the country provides ample opportunities for individuals with diverse skills and capabilities.

In conclusion, despite these challenges, the available opportunities in America can facilitate migrants in creating a better life and achieving career success. With a commitment to adaptation, migrants can access better jobs in the dynamic and extensive American job market.

Challenges before immigration:

With the emergence of a dark mask on the face of Afghanistan’s history, the narrative of the people’s lives in this land has turned into a tale of immense pain and sorrow. Over the past two decades, the hope for a better future had come alive in the hearts of the people. A hope that, day by day, was joined by the increasing glory of women and progress towards equality and social rights. However, with the fall of the government, the lives they had built with immense effort turned into a sea of fear and horror, forcing people to leave homes they had constructed due to hardships and misfortune. This compulsion not only makes their daily lives difficult but also erases all the joys of their existence.

Their somber faces reflect the image of deep wounds resulting from years of pressures and instabilities. These faces indicate the weariness of their souls and hearts; hearts that tremble under the most fragile situations. Women who have lost their families, the lands they have traversed, and without any guarantees for the future, are forced to move on.

Individuals who have fled to asylum countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Rwanda, Albania, Abu Dhabi, and other places have faced significant challenges. Their gloomy faces reflect the image of poverty and lack of access to welfare facilities. Those who, at great expense, have purchased their last Pakistan visa and acquired a pricey plane ticket, without migration case planning and approval, have turned to neighboring countries as their destination for refuge.

Challenges of migration flow:

Those migrants who have left Afghanistan and arrived in another country are faced with new difficulties. Additionally, individuals waiting for the approval of their migration cases have encountered problems arising from the complicated conditions in the host country, and their lives are nearing a border of bitterness and despair. The situation of these individuals becomes more complicated day by day, and their life problems increase. The expiration of the visa for conflict migrants who entered Pakistan has cast a shadow of fear and distress over their lives, turning their aspirations and future possibilities into a bitter dream. Lack of access to work and financial resources, as well as the development of migration cases, have turned their financial issues into a challenging and bitter nightmare, making decisions to face migration-related challenges more daunting than ever before.

On the other hand, the disorderly and discriminatory taxation of conflict migrants in Pakistan has turned the lives of Afghan migrants into a pervasive and difficult tumult. The unstable economic and social situation in Pakistan poses a greater challenge for the conflict migrants, but they are still forced to come to Pakistan due to the compulsion of leaving the country. Many of these migrants, enduring unstable and economically insecure conditions, prefer the unequal conditions of Afghanistan over the challenges and crises of Pakistan. Despite the unstable and unsafe economic conditions, they endure unemployment, and the unorganized conditions in Afghanistan seem preferable to facing the challenges and crises of Pakistan, seeking an escape from the turbulent life in Afghanistan.

Many people who have sought refuge in Pakistan face severe additional challenges due to the economic and social instability. The taxation of conflict migrants, as an unwanted burden, has increased day by day, adding new costs to their lives.

The lives of these migrants have turned into an inextricable state of fear, despair, and stress. Many believe that life in this land, whether as a legal or illegal migrant, is worse than prison. They live within numerous constraints and lack basic living facilities. The disorder and taxation are only part of their problems, and dark images of their lives have been portrayed, scattered in the streets, telling a story of humanity against another day-to-day hardship.

In the shadow of these bitter realities, Afghan migrants are increasingly facing the worst days of their lives. Enduring unstable conditions and the lack of basic rights guarantees, their lives have become a serious threat and an unsafe environment. In the darkness of legal and human rights, they navigate in a world beyond the usual understanding of humanity, facing numerous challenges. As representatives of social inequality, their health situation has reached an unimaginable stage of disorder and harm. These individuals, due to lack of access to health services and violation of their basic rights, face increasing physical and mental problems, sinking into a state of deep depression. This depression is not only the result of unsafe physical and health conditions but also stems from the lack of basic life facilities and uncertainty about the future.

In terms of enduring this pressure, these migrants are not only faced with physical challenges but also mental problems resulting from life instability and the loss of basic facilities. Their lives have approached a border of bitterness and depression.

Challenges After Arrival in the Destination Country:

Initiating life in America for these migrants comes with economic challenges and difficulties that profoundly affect their spirits and aspirations. The lack of financial resources to cover rent, daily expenses, and health services has turned their lives into a bitter tale. Language problems also make it more difficult for them to access job opportunities and integrate into society.

Every day, they face increasing life challenges and strive to continue despite the stresses and emotional pressures accompanying them. Even when educational or job opportunities are available, the unfavorable living conditions and economic constraints reduce their ability to fully enjoy their lives.

Their economy, after entering America, is highly vulnerable, and migrants are trying to stabilize their financial situations, searching for job opportunities and solutions to cover daily expenses. Even the minority with higher education and proficiency in English cannot escape economic problems and gradually encounter various financial obstacles.

Amidst all these challenges, they continuously endeavor to bear the heavy burden of economic and social problems to build a generation better than what they have experienced in their homeland. This journey, filled with despair, is riddled with various challenges such as uncertainty about the future, language limitations, and efforts to pass on culture and identity to future generations.

The situation of a significant portion of these individuals in America is worse job-wise than it was in Afghanistan. Housing resettlement organizations can only provide assistance in house rent for a limited period of three months. Many new immigrants are facing language challenges, and another part of these people who entered with parole visas, after a long period, receives work permits and ultimately many conflict migrants have integrated into society with great difficulty. When Afghan migrants arrive in America, housing resettlement organizations provide only initial services for three months, and the U.S. government provides cash assistance and health services for six months.

Afghan migrants seeking a better life in America face challenges and restrictions in employment sectors. Some of these individuals work as taxi drivers in cities. This job, in addition to financial constraints, requires physical labor and long working hours, providing minimal income.

Only a small fraction with higher education and excellent English proficiency have managed to get slightly better jobs. Still, alongside that, they often need to work taxi jobs part-time to cover their living expenses. Another challenge is not having a car, or a small portion of migrants who receive help and support from their families get a car. They work in food distribution jobs, including working with Amazon, and, after a year of having their driver’s licenses, they can become taxi drivers. However, this job does not yield significant income, and a person may start working from early morning until midnight, possibly earning a few hundred dollars during the weekends. After deducting car expenses and market costs, the income from this taxi job is not substantial.

In general, despite the extensive efforts of some of these individuals to better integrate into American society, economic and social problems continue to sit as a dark veil over their lives. This story is a tale of a bitter contradiction and aspirations for a better life within the darkness of the social realities of Afghan immigrants in America.