HMI Condemns Re-Screening of Vetted Refugee Families

Riverside, CA — We begin by expressing our deepest condolences to the families of the two National Guard members who were killed in the recent shooting in Washington, D.C. Their loss is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic act of violence.

In the aftermath, the federal government has announced a sweeping review of more than 200,000 individuals admitted through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Human Migration Institute (HMI) strongly condemns this directive, which includes re-examining cases of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and others who have already undergone years of exhaustive vetting to rebuild their lives in safety.

Re-opening these cases, in the absence of specific cause, sets a troubling precedent. It creates uncertainty for families who have already cleared the highest standards of vetting, and it risks delaying or disrupting long-term resettlement processes that are already complex and resource-intensive.

At HMI, we work directly with refugee and SIV families who have contributed meaningfully to our local economy, schools, and neighborhoods. Many served alongside U.S. personnel in Afghanistan and were promised safe resettlement as a result. Revisiting their cases now, without clear justification, undermines the integrity of that promise and places undue stress on families who have already overcome significant barriers.

We recognize the importance of maintaining national security and the integrity of immigration systems. But this must be balanced with a commitment to due process, transparency, and stability for families who followed the legal process to seek safety.

We urge policymakers to reconsider the broad scope of this review and instead focus resources on cases where there is specific and substantiated concern, not blanket measures that could destabilize communities nationwide.

At HMI, we see every day the courage and resilience of the Afghan community. Through our programs, we provide employment services, mental health support, English classes, educational access for women and girls, and opportunities for genuine community connection. These are not just services, they are lifelines. Afghan families inspire us with their strength, and in return, we offer not only resources, but relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging.

We encourage our neighbors, partners, and supporters to take action:
📞 Contact your elected representatives to express opposition to unnecessary re-screening policies that place stable refugee families at risk.
🤝 Consider donating to HMI to help us continue building a strong, inclusive community where every family has the chance to thrive.

Together, we can protect what we’ve built, and ensure that families who were once promised safety can continue to find it here.

Statement from Dr. Selin Nielsen, President of Human Migration Institute:

“The recent shooting involving an Afghan asylum seeker has shaken our community deeply, and our hearts are with the families of the National Guard members who were harmed. This tragedy is devastating and unacceptable. Yet as we process our grief and concern, we must resist the understandable but dangerous impulse to generalize or cast suspicion on entire communities of immigrants and refugees.

The recent shooting involving an Afghan asylum seeker has shaken our community deeply, and our hearts are with the families of the National Guard members who were harmed. This tragedy is devastating and unacceptable. Yet as we process our grief and concern, we must resist the understandable but dangerous impulse to generalize or cast suspicion on entire communities of immigrants and refugees.

At HMI, we work every day with families who fled war, persecution, and trauma. These are people who want nothing more than safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild their lives in peace. The actions of one individual do not and cannot represent the character, values, or intentions of tens of thousands of newcomers who contribute positively to our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.

Incidents like this are often used to stoke fear, division, and stigma. But history shows that fear only leads to isolation, and isolation is precisely what fuels despair, marginalization, and in rare cases, tragic outcomes. Now is not the time to retreat into suspicion or segregation. Now is the time to double down on our values of community, connection, and inclusion.

This tragedy also highlights something we must take seriously. There is an urgent need for better mental health support, trauma informed services, and meaningful community integration for immigrants and refugees. Many newcomers carry invisible wounds such as loss, war, displacement, and cultural isolation. These challenges cannot be ignored or left unaddressed. Ensuring mental health care and social support is not only compassionate, it is essential to public safety, healing, and long term well being for everyone.

Our community is stronger when we stand together. We urge our neighbors, partners, and leaders to honor our shared humanity during this difficult moment. Let us remember that belonging, support, and hope, not fear, are what keep communities safe and thriving.

We remain dedicated to fostering a Riverside where every family feels seen, valued, and supported.”