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Gov: MA could receive up to 900 Afghan evacuees

BOSTON — The Biden administration has begun notifying governors and state refugee coordinators about how many Afghan evacuees from the first group of nearly 37,000 arrivals are slated to be resettled in their states.

State Department data obtained by The Associated Press shows that California is projected to take more arrivals than any other — more than 5,200 people. U.S. officials say Alabama is slated to welcome 10.

Governor Charlie Baker’s Office told Boston 25 News that the state could receive up to 900 Afghan evacuees, but is still awaiting additional details from the federal government as to where and when they would arrive.

Officials told us they will “continue to coordinate with the federal government and relevant nonprofit organizations in the Commonwealth who serve these populations.”

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu says his state is expecting 100-200 refugees in the next few weeks.

In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont says their state will soon be asked to accept as many as 310 Afghan refugees. “Welcoming these Afghan refugees is the right thing to do,” says Lamont.

The state of Maine could receive as many as 100 displaced Afghan refugees between now and March, according to Catholic Charities Maine.

Vermont is expected to get 100 refugees and and Rhode Island 150.

Hawaii, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming as well as the District of Columbia are not slated to resettle anyone from the first group of evacuees who fled during the final days of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal last month.


The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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