KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Just a few months ago, they were running from the Taliban in Afghanistan, not sure they would survive. Now hundreds of refugees are preparing to make new homes in West Michigan.
Over 1,300 Afghani refuges are expected to come to Michigan, with over 400 primarily coming to Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. A few have already arrived.
Kalamazoo Public Schools has set up special welcoming centers at Lincoln International and Milwood Middle School to help the Afghan children and those arriving from other middle eastern countries get acclimated.
Superintendent Rita Raichoudhuri says many speak no English.
The families have been living on Military Bases in temporary housing since arriving in the U.S.
Non-profit groups like Immigration Connection, Bethany Christian, Samaritas and other community groups will be helping them work through immigration paperwork, finding housing, and getting settled.
