President Biden is tapping former Gov. Jack Markell to serve as his liaison on resettling Afghan refugees in the United States.
Markell, a two-term governor from 2009 until 2017, will coordinate with state and local governments, and other organizations to support refugees through the resettlement process. That process is expected to last through the end of the year.
According to CBS News, the U.S. government plans to have at least 50,000 refugees brought into the country by mid-September. Most refugees were taken to U.S. military sites in Europe and the Middle East where they’re permanent homes will be determined.
Sen. Chris Coons applauded the appointment, and says he’s excited to work with Markell on expanding and preparing cities to welcome refugees.
Gov. John Carney called Markell a "great selection" for "this incredibly important mission."
"These are Afghans who supported American service members over the last 20 years and are coming to America seeking better lives for their families," Carney said in a statement. "Delaware stands ready to support this effort in any way possible."
Biden nominated the 60-year-old Markell to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in June. That nomination is still awaiting U.S. Senate approval.
Roman Battaglia is a corps member withReport for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms.
