FORT MCCOY, Wis. — Refugees from Afghanistan began making their way to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin over the weekend, and officials there say they will continue to arrive throughout this week.
Right now, Fort McCoy is working with the Department of Defense to provide temporary housing visas for the families and at-risk individuals fleeing Afghanistan as the Taliban regains control of the country after the United States began its troop withdrawal.
RELATED: Afghan refugees have started arriving at Fort McCoy
The White House says all refugees are going through biometric and biographical vetting in the Middle East before landing in America and heading to U.S. military bases.
Monroe County leaders News 3 Now spoke with Monday say they’re still waiting for more information, and right now are emphasizing they are ready to help.
“Monroe County is friendly and open to residents and non-residents, and in this case refugees that are trying to flee a tough circumstance,” Monroe County Board chair Cedric Schnitzler said. “It’s not often Monroe County is thrust into the national spotlight, so this is one of those opportunities that we as a county have a chance to shine, too.”
Schnitzler says the Monroe County Sheriff has been contacted to help with traffic control near Fort McCoy as buses of refugees are brought in. County leaders also say social services organizations have been reaching out to find out how to help the people arriving this week.
In addition to Fort McCoy, thousands of refugees will also be housed at Fort Lee in Virginia and Fort Bliss in Texas. About a thousand service members from the U.S. Army and the Army Reserve will help provide support to the refugees who are arriving.
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