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An interim study, led by Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, will examine the needs of Afghan refugees throughout the state.

In 2022, Norman became the home of a number of Afghan refugees who fled Afghanistan during the 2021 Kabul airlift wherein 122,000 people were evacuated following the Taliban’s government takeover.

“These are people who sought asylum in the U.S. because they helped the U.S. military at some point along the way,” said Deck. “Many of their lives were in danger, and some of their family members overseas are still in danger.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt welcomed about 2,000 refugees to Oklahoma.

We are happy to have them here and in my House District and happy to call them neighbors.

He said the community has stepped up to assist families adjust to life in the U.S.

“As they are navigating different systems to receive a driver’s license, to apply for a job, to attain and maintain housing, how to navigate American finances, we have had some truly fantastic volunteers who have given themselves to welcome these families to Norman,” Deck said.

He said even with this help, refugees are having a hard time navigating food systems, partly because there is a language barrier.

Food in Norman grocery stores are not labeled in Pashto, the language most commonly spoken in Afghanistan and by these refugees.

In addition, Deck said the food available is quite different than the food these refugees are accustomed to.

“From halal meat to naan, these are foods that are not always at your local neighborhood grocery store,” Deck said. “This interim study is designed to bring attention to the fact that we, as a state, welcomed these families, but our systems are not set up for those adjusting to a new way of life.”

He said the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is very difficult for fluent English speakers to navigate. For those learning the language, it is nearly impossible to apply without assistance.

Deck said while volunteers have stepped up and helped refugees over the last two years, the system is not sustainable.

“I really want to make sure we are saying thank you to locals who are volunteering. The work they have done is invaluable for these families.” he said. “When we say we are welcoming these families to our state, we need to back this up with actions, not just words.”

He said the state can support refugees by eliminating barriers to SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children Food and Nutrition Service.

“WIC, in particular, is a much more strict voucher wherein a user can only purchase certain items,” Deck said. “If those items are not compliant with the dietary needs of these folks, then we’ve created a problem that there doesn’t need to be.”

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