MADISON - Tuesday, Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement regarding the relocation of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants and refugees to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin:

“Here in Wisconsin, we take care of each other and we look out for one another. I support the relocation efforts for Afghan refugees who have been displaced due to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and welcome them into Wisconsin. Everyone deserves to live in a secure environment without fear of retribution. My heart is with the thousands of Afghan families who are being forced to leave their homes in search of safety.

“I am confident in the leadership of the service members at Fort McCoy in helping resettle Afghan refugees. We must ensure that Afghan refugees have access to culturally appropriate supports to ease their transition in the US. I am ready to assist federal and local officials in relocation efforts and pray for the safe evacuation of the SIV applicants and refugees.”