First Afghan refugee since U.S. withdrawal now in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Azim Kakaie is the first Afghan refugee to arrive in Utah since U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan. More refugees will follow, including his wife, mother-in-law and brother who made it out of Afghanistan later and are waiting in Germany for their trip to Utah.
Kakaie, 34, arrived in Utah alone on Tuesday night. He expressed gratitude for the U.S. troops Who sacrificed their lives to get him, his family and others out of Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover.
“These American heroes I will have for the rest of my life in my heart. Without their assist I will not be here now,” he said.
Kakaie, who worked as an interpreter for U.S Troops and NATO at the Kabul airport, had to leave in a hurry without his family when it became clear that his life was in danger and he was a Taliban target for working with U.S. troops.
Although it was difficult leaving his family behind, he hopped on a U.S. military plane, realizing it was the best way to advocate for his loved ones who made it to the airport days later - just 30 minutes before a suicide bomber killed U.S. troops and Afghan civilians just outside the airport.
Now in Utah, Catholic Community Services, which is tasked with resettling Kakaie and other refugees who will arrive soon, is helping him find housing and a job.
“The only way they can become self sufficient in our community is by getting them a job,” said Aden Batar, director of migration and refugee services for CCS, Utah.
Batar said there have been many generous offers in the community to provide temporary housing for Afghan refugees, but what is needed most is permanent housing — that is already scarce.
To donate to the refugee resettlement effort go to: ccsutah.org/.
Refugees like Kakaie, who speaks English, are very employable, according to Batar. The first refugees to arrive from AFghanistan will be Special Immigrant Visa holders who worked side-by-side with U.S troops and helped with interpretation.
“We have a responsibility to welcome them as they have risked their lives,” Batar said. Kakaie said he is grateful for the hospitality.
“We really appreciate all the support, the welcome and the kindness from this people. They have a big and great heart,” he said.
