New Hampshire braces for influx of Ukrainian refugees

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing refugee resettlement efforts in New Hampshire, focusing on the influx of individuals from Ukraine and Afghanistan. The state is currently supporting approximately 350 eligible individuals, primarily through family sponsorship programs. The discussion highlighted the challenges in tracking the exact number of refugees, particularly those from Ukraine, as many may not seek services through official channels.

Officials noted that New Hampshire has a relatively small resettlement population compared to other states, with a significant number of Ukrainian refugees arriving due to the ongoing conflict. In 2022, 180 Afghan refugees were resettled, but numbers have dwindled, with only 25 in 2023 and 16 so far in 2024. Conversely, 124 Ukrainians have arrived in 2024, with expectations of continued increases as the conflict persists.

The meeting underscored the importance of individual sponsorships for Ukrainians, which differ from the more structured resettlement programs for Afghans. Officials anticipate that the number of Afghan refugees will continue to decline, while Ukrainian numbers may rise, driven by the ongoing crisis.

Data on resettlement locations revealed that most refugees are settling in Manchester, Concord, and Nashua, with numbers remaining low in other communities. The state plans to keep its data updated and accessible to provide clarity on the resettlement situation as it evolves.