Universities propose programs, support for Afghan refugees
BRIDGEPORT — Goodwin University and the University of Bridgeport announced on Friday programs and support for recent Afghan refugees in Connecticut.
Goodwin and UB, which was acquired by the former in May, sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Thursday to offer assistance with language skills, work and career programs and housing.
The universities were still awaiting a response from the White House as of Friday afternoon.
“UB has a long history of serving international students in a diverse, accepting and supportive environment,” said Danielle Wilken, president of the University of Bridgeport.
“This, along with our other capabilities, puts us in a unique position to support these refugees right now, during the time when they need it most as they begin to carve out new lives in America.”
UB said it would use an unoccupied 140-bed residence hall to temporarily house refugees in Bridgeport.
The university said it will also offer classes through its English Language Institute for nonnative English speakers, and in its work and professional career programs.
“Offering our support to Afghan refugees demonstrates our commitment to doing our part to be good global citizens,” said Wilken. “We also hope to provide leadership in helping these new Americans to quickly find employment as they forge their paths to becoming productive new citizens of the U.S.”
Wilken estimated that if the White House accepts the universities’ offer, it will likely be “weeks or months” until the refugees are vetted by the military and Department of State and the University of Bridgeport can begin housing them and offering programs.
Still, the university president said the initiative aligns with UB’s mission to provide a culturally diverse and supportive learning environment for students, preparing them for what she called “an increasingly interconnected world.”
The federal government is in the process of evacuating Americans and Afghans who assisted with the 20-year war effort and their families from Kabul, which was seized early this week by the Taliban.
The scene at the airport has been characterized by chaos and desperation, and the United States has advised it cannot guarantee safe passage, the Associated Press reported.
“If we have learned anything from the recent challenges of the pandemic,” said Scheinberg, “it is that we all need to look out for one another, and we quickly realized we could help.”
U.S. Reps. John Larson, D-Conn., and Jim Himes, D-Conn., applauded the universities’ announcement on Friday.
“We have a moral obligation to do everything we can to help Afghans escaping the Taliban,” said Larson. “As the United States government works to evacuate Afghans to safety, our communities must be prepared to welcome our brave allies.”
He added he hopes to see more local institutions open their doors and
house refugees.
“The story of immigration, refuge and opportunity is quintessentially American,” said Himes. “I am proud of Goodwin University for recognizing a moral duty and welcoming those so in need of aid.”