‘It is our moral duty’: Mayor Harris commits Shelby County to help Afghan refugees

This story originally aired on Channel 5 on Sept. 9. 2021.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris says Shelby County is ready to welcome Afghan allies and parolees who are evacuating the country in wake of the Taliban’s return to power.

Harris wrote a letter to President Joe Biden reaffirming the commitment. The letter reads, in part:

“As our country welcomes refugees from Afghanistan, I am writing to let you know the government of Shelby County. Tennessee stands ready to provide support and stability to those fleeing violence and oppression. I believe we have a moral duty to help those in dire circumstances who supported our troops. I want to applaud your administration’s efforts to meet this duty.”

Read the full story here.