SEWELL – Children’s laughter and the melodic sounds of Afghan music swirled around dozens of families who gathered recently for an information session on U.S. asylum.
“This is a celebration of community,” said Jeff DeCristofaro, Esq., executive director of the Camden Center for Law & Social Justice. “We wanted to celebrate all of the hard work both they and we have done to get these families to this point – a place where they are here, safe and can work.”
More than 60 Afghan refugees gathered with volunteers and Camden Center for Law & Social Justice staff June 27 at the James G. Atkinson Memorial Park in order to learn more about the pathway forward now that they have secured asylum. Many of those in attendance were resettled with assistance from Catholic Charities of South Jersey.
“Volunteers and staff have been working with these Afghan families for the past three years, helping with everything from finding housing and clothes, to translations and the legal work of the CCLSJ,” DeCristofaro said.
Among the topics of discussion: travel documents; naturalization; obtaining permanent residence, and family reunification.
“Our work started with this population when we were the lead legal team for the 13,000 to 14,000 evacuees who arrived at Fort Dix three years ago,” DeCristofaro said. “Through that, we got to know some of the folks that remained here in New Jersey. Our goal was not just to help them with asylum, but also their green cards and citizenship. We’re in this for the long haul.”
Dave Tanzola, a volunteer with Immigration, Refugees and Migrant Services for Catholic Charities of South Jersey, said he’s gotten to know many of the Afghan refugees over the past few years.
“The families here today, they’ve overcome a lot of challenges to get here. It’s great to see them begin to have some success through the asylum process, where they get work authorization, a Social Security number and new opportunities to build community.”
“It’s a great day for us,” said Abdul Mateen Hessari, who has been a client of the Camden Center for Law & Social Justice for about a year. Originally from Kabul, Afghanistan, he, his wife and four children arrived in the United States in May 2023, after a nearly two-year journey.
“My hope is that we are living in a peaceful condition here and that my children continue to be in good schools and a positive learning environment,” said Hessari, whose 18-year-old son has been accepted into the ROTC program. “We are very thankful for all those who are helping the Afghan people.”
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