24 Aug We Must Ensure All People in Danger Are Evacuated from Afghanistan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2021
Contact: MCJ Communications Coordinator Patrick Taylor, ptaylor@mscenterforjustice.org

Jackson, MS – Vangela M. Wade, president and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Justice, issued the following statement in response to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. 

“We have all seen the harrowing scenes of Afghans racing to the Hamid Karzai International Airport risking their lives to find protection from the Taliban. Thousands of men, women, and children are in peril.  

“As part of the Evacuate Our Allies coalition, the Mississippi Center for Justice stands with all people who are seeking safety from the brutal Taliban regime. We call on the Biden administration to facilitate the evacuation of all Americans, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, allies, and all vulnerable populations from Afghanistan. That includes all Special Immigrant Visa applicants and their families, immigrant visa applicants, women’s rights activists, human rights defenders, religious and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ Afghans, and others who fear persecution. We also call on the administration to facilitate the entry of Afghans into the United States – either at ports-of-entry or in advance.  

“At this crucial juncture, we must remember that America was built by immigrants – some here by choice, others in captivity. That rich diversity, along with the help of international partners, has helped our country thrive. As such, we must keep our promises to our allies and honor our commitments to those seeking safety from persecution – and leave no one behind. We must not end the evacuations until everyone seeking protection from persecution is safe.”

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The Mississippi Center for Justice is dedicated to dismantling the state’s culture of inequity and injustice. Support and staffed by attorneys and other professionals, the Center pursues strategies to combat discrimination and poverty statewide.