Austin ISD preps to welcome Afghan refugee students whose parents worked for U.S.

As Afghans who worked for the U.S. government flee unsafe conditions under Taliban rule in their homeland, Austin ISD is preparing to welcome their children to the district.

“They’re welcome in Austin, and we hope they’ll reach out to us for support because we’ll be there for them,” said Salimah Shamsuddin, Austin ISD’s refugee family support coordinator Aug. 26. On the same day 12 U.S. service members and dozens of civilians were killed in explosions outside the airport in Kabul, The Washington Post reported.

In the first 23 days of August, Austin gained 35 special immigrant visas, or SIV, holders from Afghanistan along with their spouses and children, according to Refugee Services of Texas, which works with national refugee resettlement partners. SIV holders are Afghans who worked for or on behalf of the United States and all have undergone security background checks and health screenings, according to the nonprofit.

Refugee Services of Texas expects another 71 SIV holders to arrive in Austin by Sept. 30.

Shamsuddin said the district does not yet know how many Afghan refugee families will bring school-aged children to Austin in the coming weeks, but the district is prepared for them.

Shamsuddin said all of the district’s schools have certified English as a second language teachers. Shamsuddin’s office helps parents with registration and orientations. The district will learn about each family from refugee settlement agencies, and a member of her office will reach out to parents directly.

Her office will also coordinate with teachers and principals to connect refugee students with mentors from University of Texas at Austin who will speak the student’s first language.

Shamsuddin’s team also works directly with students and families for crisis intervention, referring them to outside agencies that can offer rental assistance or address other emerging needs.

“They've been through a lot,” Shamsuddin said. “If you’re trying to welcome refugees in Austin, be creative, open-minded and flexible.”