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Afghan Americans

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Afghan Americans

For Pashtuns in the United States, see Pashtun Americans.

Ethnic group

Afghan Americans (Dari: آمریکایی‌های افغان‌تبار Amrikāyi-hāye Afghān tabar; Pashto: د امريکا افغانان Da Amrīka Afghanan) are Americans with ancestry from Afghanistan. They represent the largest Afghan community in North America, with the Afghan Canadian community holding the second position. Afghan Americans can trace their heritage to any of the diverse ethnic groups of Afghanistan.

The presence of an Afghan community in the United States remained relatively small until the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979, which led to a significant influx of refugees. Subsequent conflicts and instability in Afghanistan, particularly the more recent war in Afghanistan, continued to drive immigration. Afghan Americans are now established across the nation, contributing to the diverse tapestry of American society. Historically, California, Virginia, and New York have been primary destinations for Afghan immigrants. However, significant populations have also emerged in Arizona, Texas, Georgia (U.S. state), Colorado, Washington (state), Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, North Carolina, Maryland, and Illinois, illustrating the widespread settlement of this community.

History and population

The history of Afghan immigration to the United States stretches back further than commonly assumed, with arrivals noted as early as the 1860s. This period coincided with the nascent stages of Afghanistan–United States relations. Intriguingly, Wallace Fard Muhammad, the founder of the Nation of Islam, claimed to be of Afghan origin. A World War I draft registration card from 1917 for an individual named Wallie Dodd Fard listed his birthplace as Shinka, Afghanistan, and indicated he was residing in Los Angeles, California, as an unmarried restaurant owner.

Between the 1920s and the 1940s, the number of Afghan immigrants grew into the hundreds. Further immigration occurred between 1953 and the early 1970s, with at least 230 individuals entering the United States through legal channels. Some of these early immigrants were students who benefited from scholarships to pursue higher education at American universities, laying a groundwork for future intellectual and professional contributions.

Afghan refugees and the Refugee Act of 1980

Individuals admitted to the United States as Afghan refugees are statutorily recognized as lawful permanent residents, granting them green card status from the date of their arrival. This legislative framework has been crucial in their integration into American society.

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 triggered a massive displacement, forcing approximately five million Afghans to seek refuge in other countries. Many found temporary shelter in neighboring Pakistan and Iran. From these initial havens, thousands eventually journeyed to Europe, North America, Oceania, and other parts of the world, forming the nascent Afghan diaspora. It's important to note that individuals born in Pakistan, Iran, or India are not, by virtue of their birth location, considered Pakistanis, Iranians, or Indians. Their official documents, such as birth certificates, unequivocally identify them as citizens of Afghanistan.

The year 1980 marked a significant turning point, as Afghan families began arriving in the United States as refugees or asylum seekers. The Refugee Act of 1980 provided a crucial legal pathway for these individuals. In some tragic instances, only one parent was able to make the journey, due to the loss of the other. These families began to establish roots in various regions, most notably the New York metropolitan area, California (particularly the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles-Orange County area), and other parts of the country where established Muslim community centers provided a sense of community and support. Fremont, California, has emerged as a major hub for Afghan Americans, followed by Northern Virginia and Queens in New York City. Smaller, yet significant, Afghan American communities can also be found in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Washington (state), Georgia (U.S. state), Michigan, Idaho, Missouri, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Colorado, Ohio, Utah, New Mexico, Oregon, and Tennessee. In Chicago, the 2000 census recorded 556 Afghan Americans, with roughly half residing within the city limits.

The initial wave of Afghan families arriving in the early 1980s primarily consisted of individuals from the wealthier, educated, and urban elite class. Many had successfully applied for refugee status while residing temporarily in Pakistan and India, and a considerable number had previously lived in Germany before undertaking third-country resettlement in the United States. Subsequent immigration, facilitated by the family reunification program, brought in communities from more rural areas of Afghanistan. These later arrivals often had less formal education, some being illiterate, and tended to maintain more traditional village lifestyles.

Child Citizenship Act of 2000

Individuals admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157 and subsequently granted green card status under 8 U.S.C. § 1159(a) possess statutory protections against inadmissibility. This protection remains in effect even if they are not in possession of their green cards, Afghan passports, Afghan identity cards, or any other form of legal documentation. Furthermore, under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, when a parent becomes naturalized as a U.S. citizen, all of their children automatically become entitled to naturalization through that American parent. This provision effectively confers United States nationality upon these children, regardless of whether they were born inside or outside the United States. All such claims to nationality are subject to review by the federal judiciary of the United States.

The period following the September 11, 2001 attacks proved challenging for the Afghan American community, as they faced increased scrutiny and discrimination. President Bush's initiatives aimed at bolstering the economy and integrating immigrants were significantly disrupted by the attacks. This disruption led to a slowdown in the admission of new immigrants between 2001 and 2005. While 406,080 immigrant visas were issued in 2001, this number decreased to 395,005 by 2005, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security.

Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009

A U.S. soldier stands with an Afghan American interpreter in Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.

In 2001, a news report, lacking specific sources, cited a figure of 200,000 Afghan Americans. This broad estimate may have included individuals from Afghan Canadian communities. More precise data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated approximately 65,972 Afghan-Americans in 2006. By 2016, the American Community Survey (ACS) estimated that 94,726 foreign-born Afghan immigrants resided in the United States, reflecting a notable 30% increase over the preceding decade.

Since 2005, a substantial number of Afghans have been admitted to the United States through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. This program became particularly vital after the passage of the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, which was subsequently extended in 2014. The act made Afghans who had risked their lives assisting the US-led war in Afghanistan eligible for SIVs. This initiative established a formal legal pathway for these individuals and their immediate family members to attain U.S. citizenship.

Evacuations of 2021

The Taliban resurgence and takeover of Kabul in August 2021 prompted a significant wave of Afghans to seek refuge in the United States, including many who had collaborated with U.S. forces. Official records from the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement indicate that over 100,000 Afghan nationals have arrived in the U.S. since August 2021, with more than 1,600 unaccompanied children among them. Concerns remain for the estimated 150,000 Afghans who aided the United States and were unable to evacuate, including those who worked closely with U.S. military personnel.

Discrimination of Refugees

Afghan refugees navigating the complexities of resettlement can face significant challenges, including discrimination, which can exacerbate existing trauma. The ongoing instability in Afghanistan continues to force individuals to flee, and many struggle to find safe refuge. A recent example of this precarious situation is Canada's closure of its Special Immigration Measures Program on July 15, leaving Afghans who relied on it, particularly former employees of the Canadian Armed Forces and government, vulnerable to death or persecution.

Culture

!Qabuli Palau Qabuli Palau, a traditional rice dish topped with sweet carrots, raisins, and sliced almonds, often served with lamb, beef, or chicken.

!Aushak Traditional dish aushak served at an Afghan restaurant in California.

Like many immigrant groups in the United States, Afghan Americans have progressively integrated into the American way of life. However, a strong connection to Afghan culture persists among those born in Afghanistan. This connection is often expressed through the continued appreciation and practice of Afghan traditions, such as wearing traditional clothing at home, enjoying Afghan music and Afghan shows, and savoring Afghan cuisine. Engagement with Afghan politics also remains a significant aspect for many. The rich oral tradition of storytelling is highly valued, with tales often featuring figures like Mullah Nasreddin, and narratives drawn from Afghan history, myths, and religious lore.

Afghan Americans observe August 19 as Afghan Independence Day, commemorating Afghanistan's full independence achieved in August 1919 following the signing of the Anglo-Afghan Treaty. Small festivals are often organized in cities with substantial Afghan populations, typically held in parks where the black, red, and green colors of the Afghan flag are prominently displayed on vehicles. Major religious festivals such as Eid and Nowruz are also widely celebrated. The 2021 American sitcom United States of Al explored the intersection of American and Afghan cultures.

A 2001 The Washington Post article described the Afghan-American community, particularly those concentrated in Fremont, California and Hayward, California, as a "microcosm of the country that's nearly a dozen time zones away." Members of the community acknowledged that while divisions and conflicts present in Afghanistan sometimes carried over to the United States, a shared love for their homeland united them.

Ethnicity and race

The Afghan American population is comprised of the same diverse ethnic groups found in Afghanistan, including Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Baloch, and numerous others. Since 1945, Afghan Americans have been officially classified as Caucasians. For U.S. Census purposes, Afghans are categorized racially as either White or Asian Americans. More recently, the proposal for a new census category, SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African), has gained traction as a means to achieve more accurate demographic categorization for groups like Afghan Americans.

Religion

The majority of Afghan Americans are adherents of Islam, predominantly Sunni Islam, with a significant minority practicing Shia Islam. Many Afghan Americans in Northern Virginia are affiliated with the All Dulles Area Muslim Society, which operates several local branches. Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, an Afghan American-run mosque in New York City organized blood drives, held a vigil for the victims of the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks, and contributed to a memorial fund for the New York City fire fighters.

A community of Afghan Jews resides in New York City, estimated to comprise about 200 families in 2007. Additionally, a group of Afghan Americans in the Los Angeles area identifies with Christianity. Hussain Andaryas, an Afghan Christian televangelist, belongs to the Hazara ethnic group. Beyond the Abrahamic faiths, communities of Afghan Hindus and Afghan Sikhs also exist, primarily concentrated in the states of New York and Maryland.

Media

Afghan Americans have established media outlets to serve their diaspora. These include television channels such as Ariana Afghanistan, Payam-e-Afghan, Tuti TV, and Pamir TV. During the 1990s, Afghanistan TV was broadcast on KSCI Channel 18 in Los Angeles, alongside publications like the Afghanistan Mirror magazine. Numerous organizations have also been founded to support Afghan youth, promote solidarity, advocate for women's rights, and address other community needs. More recently, a new radio station, Radio Afghan Los Angeles, has been launched. In 2020, Misaq Kazimi initiated "Afghanistan by Afghans," a TV show and podcast dedicated to showcasing the perspectives of Afghan artists, thinkers, and cultural custodians, which is also featured on Zarin TV.

Demographics

Immigration

According to estimates from the Migration Policy Institute for the period of 2017-2021, approximately 118,500 Afghan immigrants were residing in the USA. The counties or county-equivalents with the largest Afghan immigrant populations were as follows:

Rank County State Population
1 Sacramento County California 15,400
2 Alameda County California 7,200
3 Fairfax County Virginia 6,400
4 King County Washington (state) 4,700
5 Contra Costa County California 4,500
6 Prince William County Virginia 4,300
7 Los Angeles County California 3,800
8 Orange County California 3,600
9 San Diego County California 3,300
10 Bexar County Texas 3,100
11 Queens County New York (state) 2,700
12 San Joaquin County California 2,200
13 Stanislaus County California 1,900
14 Travis County Texas 1,800
15 Alexandria (city) Virginia 1,800
16 Riverside County California 1,800
17 Tarrant County Texas 1,700
18 Prince George's County Maryland 1,700
19 Maricopa County Arizona 1,600
20 Nassau County New York (state) 1,500
21 Loudoun County Virginia 1,500
22 Harris County Texas 1,500
23 Dallas County Texas 1,100
24 Albany County New York (state) 1,100

Economics

Northern Virginia boasts a significant Afghan American workforce.

Many Afghan Americans maintain ownership of real estate in Afghanistan, with some properties having been lawfully inherited through family lines over multiple generations. Afghan Americans who arrived in the U.S. prior to the 21st century are often found residing in proximity to other middle class Americans, with some achieving upper middle class status and commanding high salaries.

Given that a substantial portion of Afghan Americans were initially admitted as refugees under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, government programs provided various forms of assistance, including welfare, and often influenced their initial city of residence. While some were able to quantify their progress and relocate to cities with larger Afghan communities, many remained in their initial resettlement locations. Over time, they transitioned away from government assistance programs, eventually purchasing homes. Their children were encouraged to pursue higher education at colleges or universities. Those who faced greater challenges often focused on establishing or acquiring small businesses through franchising or independent operation. Other common professions include real estate agents, bank employees, office workers, hotel staff, retail clerks, salespersons, security guards, drivers, mechanics, and waiters.

In line with the entrepreneurial spirit of many immigrant groups in the United States, Afghan Americans are frequently involved in operating small businesses. This includes a notable presence in the restaurant industry, with many running both American and Afghan eateries, as well as managing Afghan markets. Reports from the 1990s indicated Afghan vendors in Manhattan, who had notably taken over the roles previously held by Greek Americans in selling goods from coffee carts.

In 2015, the median family income for Afghan immigrants categorized as "refugees" was $50,000. This figure surpasses that of Mexican Americans and Cuban Americans, and is slightly higher than Hmong Americans, though it remains lower than that of Vietnamese Americans.

Education

Afghan immigrants who arrived in the United States before 1979 were generally well-educated. In contrast, many of the current immigrants have fled totalitarianism, genocide, torture, persecution, mistreatment, and protracted military conflicts. Consequently, this group has faced significant challenges in acquiring proficiency in the English language. Those who pursued their education in America during the mid-20th century and subsequently returned to Afghanistan sometimes encountered difficulties in securing employment upon their return to the United States, as their qualifications, particularly in fields like medicine and engineering, were often considered outdated. The devastating impact of the 1979 Soviet invasion on Afghanistan's education system led to a diminished emphasis on formal education among many migrants in the late 20th century.

Notable people

!Zalmay Khalilzad with George W. Bush Zalmay Khalilzad with George W. Bush in 2004.

Lina Rozbih, Senior Editor and television personality at Voice of America. [65]

Author Tamim Ansary and activist Humaira Ghilzai. Ashraf Ghani, the 5th President of Afghanistan. Mohammad Qayoumi served as President of San Jose State University and California State University, East Bay.

Politics, academia and literature

Business and finance

Sports

Media and art

Musicians

Beauty pageant contestants

Afghan royalty

Other

See also