Authors:

Justin Kiel

Date Created:

Not specified

Course Title:

Professor:

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About Paper:

The recent targeting of migrants in the US exemplifies the widespread misinformation and misunderstanding of migrant communities. This research project addresses the lack of awareness about Afghan migrants and the broader Afghan American diaspora by concentrating on the stories of Afghan refugees and immigrants. The study is focused on the Afghan communities in New York City and California's Bay Area, which represent two of the most concentrated Afghan populations in the US. Despite the formation of vibrant communities across the US, Afghan American histories remain largely absent from academic discourse and are frequently distorted 40 by biased and vilifying media portrayals, especially since the War on Terror. This study counters these misunderstandings by documenting the reality of Afghan migrant experiences. The project uses oral history methodology, archival records, and statistical analysis of migration trends to construct a greater understanding of the major migration waves out of Afghanistan to the United States following the Soviet-Afghan War of 1979, a proxy conflict of the Cold War. In addition to recovering untold narratives, the study maps the geographic concentration of Afghan Americans, including community centers, businesses, and cultural organizations, in Queens, NYC, and Fremont, California. This project's findings emphasize not only the trauma experienced by Afghan Americans but most importantly the resilience expressed throughout the community, especially as second- and third- generation Afghan Americans build community spaces. By bringing to light Afghan voices that are often forgotten, this project contributes to reclaiming the narrative of the Afghan American diaspora.

Source:

Columbia / Political Science / 2027

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Justin Kiel