AFGHAN CLIENT RESOURCES
This page will be updated with community resources, documents translated to Dari and Pashto, and other updates for Afghan clients. For complete information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), visit Information for Afghan Nationals.
Last updated 05/18/2022.
NOTICE: The United States immigration system is facing system-wide backlogs and delays in processing applications. Resettlement agencies and immigration attorneys across the country are facing a significant number of pending cases and increased processing times. We strongly urge Afghan clients to consult with an immigration attorney, as well as utilize the resources on this page for their asylum application or pending SIV application.
Update on the proposed Afghan Adjustment Act: IILA is calling on Congress to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would allow Afghans on humanitarian parole to adjust their status to permanent residence (green cards) without applying for asylum. We currently don’t know whether this will pass or when it may take effect. Our current understanding is that Afghan clients should submit their application for asylum within one year of arrival in the country.
PRO BONO (FREE) & LOW-COST LEGAL SERVICES
Los Angeles Area
Sacramento Area
- CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central CA Afghan Community Advisory
- Immigration Services Request Intake Form
- Know Your Rights resources in Pashto and Dari
California
Nationwide
APPLYING FOR ASYLUM
Asylum is a form of legal protection for people who are physically present in the United States, who suffered and/or fear future persecution in their home country.
Aslyum 101 for Afghans Videos
English
Pashto پښتو
Dari درى
International Institute of Los Angeles – Afghan Legal Representation Project (ALRP)
IILA clients who wish to receive services through IILA’s ALRP will need to return signed copies of the following forms, as well as a completed I-589 in Dari or Pashto or English (to the best of their ability) by May 27, 2022:
The I-589 should be initially completed in Dari or Pashto in the majority of cases so that the members of the family can review what was submitted before the Asylum Interview. Consistency between what is written on I-589 and what is said in the Asylum Interview is critical.
IILA clients who need a Dari or Pashto speaking volunteer to assist with completing the forms and the I-589 should let their case manager know so that we can match them with a volunteer.
- Consent/Waiver Form for Legal Services
- ALRP Screening Form
- Copies of I-589 and Instructions for I-589 (see below)
Afghan Client Asylum Orientation – May 9, 2022
National Immigrant Justice Center
- Legal Resources for Afghans Seeking Asylum and Other Relief
- Form I-589, Application for Asylum:
- Instructions for Form I-589, Application for Asylum:
VECINA
- Representing Afghan Nationals in Affirmative Asylum Proceedings – free comprehensive online course with samples.
HIAS/ABA – Asylum Toolkits
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
APPLYING FOR SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA (SIV)
The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) is an immigration program that grants permanent residence to people who aided the U.S. government abroad. If you are currently applying for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) or awaiting Chief of Mission (COM) approval, we strongly recommend that you also apply for asylum.
U.S. Department of State
International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
- For SIV Applicants: Legal Information Website:
- IRAP Afghan SIV Training, Practice Guide and Other Materials
- Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans Training Course – free comprehensive online course with samples. Short videos covering an introduction and all stages of the SIV adjustment process
FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Volunteer Opportunities with IILA
As the US immigration system, resettlement agencies, and immigration attorneys across the country are facing major delays and increased caseloads, IILA is launching the Afghan Legal Representation Project (ALRP) to ensure that our clients are on track to meet the one-year asylum deadline.
IILA’s ALRP will work to match Afghan clients with legal professionals and non-legal volunteers to assist with their immigration-related applications. Sign up today or share this opportunity with others!
Legal Professionals & Law Students
We are looking for legal professionals and law students who are interested in providing pro bono legal assistance to Afghan evacuees, which may include asylum, Special Immigrant Visa, P1/2 refugee status, Temporary Protected Status, and other legal applications.
Non-Legal Volunteers & Dari/Pashto Translators
We are looking for volunteers who can provide assistance to Afghans applying for asylum and other legal matters. Tasks may include helping to fill out applications, translating documents in Dari/Pashto, proof-reading, delivering documents, and other non-legal tasks.
Resources for Immigration Attorneys
VECINA Training Course on SIVs
ABA Resources
- For Pro Bono Attorneys Representing Pro Se Afghan Applicants
- ABA: Interested in Helping Afghans Apply for Asylum?
- ABA: Afghanistan Response Project
CLINIC Resources
- Assisting Citizens of Afghanistan – Webinar
- Afghans and Public Charge
- Age-Out Rules for Afghan SIV Derivative Children
- Frequently Asked Questions: Form I-134
- Frequently Asked Questions: Eligibility to Adjust if Started with Consular Processing
- Guide to Client Documentation and Benefits for Afghan Parolees
- Practice Advisory: Assisting Afghan Evacuees
DHS Resources
USCIS has posted resources on Afghanistan, including the process for Afghan nationals to apply for humanitarian parole as well as immigration relief available to those present in the United States:
Additional Resources
- International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP): Legal Resources for Afghans
- Human Rights First: Resources on the Afghan Evacuation
- The Afghan Network for Advocacy and Resources (ANAR): Afghan Resources
- Penn State: Immigration in a Biden Administration
Listservs to join
- PALA (AfghanLegalAssist@googlegroups.com)
- AILA (afghanevacuations@lists.aila.org)