Today, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) announced the opening of a temporary Afghan Support Center in Anaheim on Tuesday. At multiple roundtables with immigration advocates and Afghan refugees last year, she heard concerns about the challenges facing resettled Afghans in our community. Following these meetings, Rep. Porter pushed repeatedly for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to bring an Afghan Support Center to Orange County.

“I’ve heard directly from Afghan immigrants about the obstacles they face getting their visas processed, reuniting with family members, and making ends meet,” said Rep. Porter. “I’m proud to work with USCIS to bring a support center to Orange County that will provide vital assistance for our Afghan neighbors. I urge Afghans in the area to take advantage of this opportunity to get help from state and federal agencies, and to learn about other organizations in Southern California that can help you and your family adjust to life in the United States.”

The Afghan Support Center, hosted by USCIS, will help Afghan refugees access vital services, including assistance from USCIS staff for pending applications, legal aid, mental health support, education and employment resources, housing assistance, and specialized support for women. The Anaheim event is currently the only support center scheduled for Southern California, an area where large numbers of Afghan refugees have recently settled. 

Tuesday, April 16 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Anaheim Marriott, Platinum Ballroom

Additional Information

Rep. Porter is proud to represent a diverse district in Orange County that many new immigrants call home. In Congress, she has pushed for comprehensive reforms to make our immigration system more orderly and humane. She hosted a roundtable with immigration advocates and a second conversation with Afghan refugees last year, where she heard directly from immigrants about their experiences in California. Rep. Porter also proudly helped Afghans get to the United States as part of Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome.

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