New name, same mission! LIRS is now Global Refuge. Learn more.

New name.
Same mission.

LIRS is now Global Refuge.

Welcoming newcomers since 1939.

See Our Evolution

The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

News // Community Engagement

Global Refuge OpEd: How Businesses Can Help Afghan Refugees | Baltimore Sun

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

December 10, 2021

Global Refuge In USA Today: How Businesses Can Help Afghan Refugees

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah is the president and chief executive of the Global Refuge. She co-authored the below OpEd for USA Today with Joe Gebbia, Co-Founder of Airbnb and Chariman of Airbnb.org

“It has been more than three months since the world was gripped by the images and stories of Afghans fleeing their country to safety. Since then, tens of thousands of Afghan refugees have made it to the USA in search of new beginnings. From Texas to Wisconsin, refugees who have completed the vetting process are beginning to leave military bases where they’ve been housed since arriving here and moving into communities where they’ll resettle to build new lives.

Global Refuge (LIRS) has been working around the clock to welcome our new Afghan neighbors, including by offering temporary housing through Airbnb.org while they await permanent housing. Americans across the country – including U.S. military veterans and members of communities that had themselves arrived here as refugees – have stepped up to offer a warm welcome to Afghan refugees, and we are grateful for their generosity and support. Anyone – regardless of whether or not they’re an existing Airbnb host – can sign up to welcome Afghan refugees into their homes by visiting airbnb.org/refugees”

Read on USA Today

Take Action For Afghan Refugees

Visit our online hub to learn more about the dangers facing Afghan allies, our advocacy to protect them, video resources, and ways you and your community can make a difference.

Take Action

Make a Donation

Whether you give once or monthly, your donation will help Global Refuge to provide intensive support to newly arrived refugees, to place vulnerable children in safe, loving homes, and to empower new Americans to become successful, contributing members of their communities.

Give Now

The Latest

  • News

    July 8, 2024

    Timeline: Our Advocacy for Afghan Allies

    In early 2021, Global Refuge joined veterans’ groups and resettlement agencies to form the Evacuate our Allies coalition, and we advocate for the continued evacuation of at-risk Afghans and the integration of Afghans already in the United States.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    June 28, 2024

    DHS Extends and Redesignates Haiti for Temporary Protected Status

    The Biden administration announced today the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti for 18 months from Aug. 4, 2024, to Feb. 3, 2026. 

    Read More
  • Press Release

    June 27, 2024

    At first presidential debate, immigration poised to take the spotlight

    As immigration comes to the forefront, candidates must address the issue with compassion and common sense, grounded in both human rights and practical policy solutions.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    June 18, 2024

    Global Refuge Commends Executive Order Protecting Certain Immigrant Families

    Washington, D.C. – The Biden administration announced today an executive order that will protect certain immigrant spouses and children of U.S. citizens without status currently living in the United States from being removed from the country.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    June 4, 2024

    Biden administration announces additional asylum restrictions

    The Biden administration announced today a proclamation to further restrict asylum eligibility at the southern border for people who cross between official U.S. ports of entry.

    Read More

Share