Governor Ned Lamont has announced that as many as 310 Afghan refugees will soon call Connecticut home in the coming months.
"These evacuees are our allies and have supported our country for years, and it is our turn to return the favor," said Lamont. "Connecticut has a legacy of being there for those in need, and we are proud to answer the call.”
Earlier this week, the Biden administration started notifying governors and state refugee coordinators across the country about how many Afghan evacuees were slated to be resettled in their states.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ensured that the refugees will be vetted, in addition to having all necessary vaccinations, including for COVID-19, added officials.
Get top local stories in Connecticut delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Connecticut's News Headlines newsletter.
Senator Richard Blumenthal and resettlement workers anticipate that refugees will begin arriving in large numbers in communities across the U.S., perhaps as early as next week.
Lamont said he has directed the Connecticut Department of Social Services to ensure all of the necessary resources are available and ready to support these men, women and children with food, shelter, education and job training.
"It is our obligation and our duty to ensure these Afghan refugees feel welcome in our state," said Lamont.
Local
The State of Connecticut has also joined a bipartisan organization committed to helping Afghan refugees resettle called Welcome.US.
