WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – A week after the Department of Homeland Security revoked deportation protections for Afghans, a local organization is speaking out.
“I think many of them are becoming numb to the situation,” said Yee Leng Xiong, executive director for New Beginnings for Refugees in Wausau. “I think they’re concerned, but I think there’s a lot of mental health trauma that comes into play as well to that. They’re in kind of survival mode.”
The order from the Department of Homeland Security could effect nearly 10,000 Afghan refugees in the country and nearly 50 in the central Wisconsin area.
“Many of them are here through DPS or the temporary protective status. That means that they were here because of their contributions protecting United States assets and also helping us on our side during the Afgahni War,” said Xiong. New Beginnings says they’re disappointed with the decision as they see these refugees as positive and contributing members to society.
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