""As Americans, anybody who doesn't start with the horror of what happened is missing the gravity of this moment," Azam said. "But there's also fear. People are nervous for their safety because political rhetoric comes with real danger.""
""The mere fact of this incident taking place should not be used as an excuse by political parties to demonize immigrants," Wahab said."
""There are individuals that will have mental health issues, that will have PTSD, that will have a lot of other concerns," Wahab said, "but we also are a nation built by immigrants. And we need to honor that and make sure that people feel welco"
Afghan American leaders in the Bay Area express growing concern that a recent shooting near the White House could prompt a political backlash against Afghan evacuees nationwide. Community members fear isolated actions may be used to justify broad immigration restrictions and that political rhetoric increases personal danger. Leaders emphasize that Afghan evacuees underwent rigorous security screening and that many worked with U.S. forces under extreme risk with promises of safety for themselves and families. Many evacuees continue to cope with trauma, PTSD, and other mental-health needs. Leaders call for balanced responses and protection of immigrants' safety.
Read at Kqed
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