SANTA FE, N.M. – On Friday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico State Speaker of the House Brian Egolf sent a letter to President Joe Biden to inform him that New Mexico is open and ready to accept refugees from Afghanistan. Days later, on Aug. 22, refugees began arriving in the state at the Dona Ana Base Camp, part of Fort Bliss in New Mexico.
“New Mexico stands at the ready to support and welcome any Afghan refugees chosen to be evacuated to the United States amidst the ongoing situation in Kabul,” said Daniel Marzac, communications director for Speaker Egolf.
The United States military is working with the US State Department to transfer Afghan refugees who assisted the US with its military mission. Germany, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom are working similar but smaller programs to evacuate their nationals as Afghanistan collapses to Taliban rule while the US withdraws.
The State Department has not commented on where exactly the refugees will go. Multiple nations have offered their support in rehousing the Afghan refugees.
“As a state and a nation, our views have always been to uphold and value the contributions of every individual. We cannot and should not turn our backs on those around the world who share that ideal. To that end, let this letter serve as a reminder that New Mexico is here to help resettle and accommodate those individuals and families that have spent the last two decades supporting out U.S. troops, diplomatic personnel, and efforts to bring peace, democracy, and security to Afghanistan,” reads the letter signed by Speaker Egolf and Governor Lujan Grisham.
While not specifying where refugees will be sent, the State Department did issue statements of gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and all US allies for their help in evacuating American diplomats, their families, and other Afghans.
Representative Yvette Herrell’s (R-NM) office said that citizens of her district can expect a public update from her regarding Afghan refugees in New Mexico soon.
“We are glad to remain in contact with your administration on the evolving plans for settlement of these vulnerable populations, and we will await further direction from your administration as to how we may be able to support those efforts,” the letter to President Biden closes.