September 17, 2021

In Quad Cities, Duckworth Highlights Importance of Welcoming Afghan Allies and Partners Who Assisted US Mission

 

[MOLINE, IL] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years, today met with leaders of several Quad Cities organizations and advocates focused on efforts to resettle Afghan partners and allies who sacrificed for the United States’ mission in Afghanistan. Duckworth met with World Relief Quad Cities Director Laura Fontaine and Program Manager Jen Osing, Doris & Victor Day Foundation Executive Director and Rock Island Alderman David Greenen and Omidullah Barikzay, an Afghan immigrant and current Rock Island resident, to discuss the importance of our communities welcoming these brave Afghans to their new home. A photo from today’s meeting is available here.

“Our Afghan allies and partners did their part for us, time and again, for two decades half a world away,” Duckworth said. “When they begin to resettle here in Illinois, in the Quad Cities, we must do our part for them, too. It is our duty—as neighbors, friends, Americans—to welcome these brave Afghans and help settle them into their new homes.”

“Our teams at World Relief Quad Cities have worked tirelessly to serve Afghans who were able to be evacuated and who are now finding new homes in the United States,” said Fontaine. “We are greatly appreciative of Senator Duckworth’s work to raise awareness for how American citizens can help welcome and ease the transition for Afghans resettling in the United States. At World Relief, we believe every second counts as we work together to protect the vulnerable and bring lasting change to our world.” 

Over the coming weeks and months, Illinois is expected to receive more than 800 resettled Afghan allies in the first group of evacuees, with roughly 150 expected to be resettled in the Quad Cities area. Yesterday, Duckworth also spoke with State of Illinois officials to discuss how Illinois is supporting the resettlement of Afghan allies and partners across the state.

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