Afghanistan – A Reflection by an Immigration Lawyer Two Years After the Event

Two years have passed since the Taliban took over Afghanistan. It was a life changing event for me as an Afghan-American lawyer who had practiced immigration law, and been active in many women’s and humanitarian rights programs. My life was like working in a crisis centre for the first month after the evacuation. I received hundreds calls and messages from Afghans all over the country asking for assistance. I knew several extended family members living and working in Kabul, and I also knew many female leaders whom I interviewed as a reporter or met at events or conferences.

Since then, I’ve gained experience in filing Humanitarian parole applications on behalf of Afghan nationals living overseas. These cases were similar to “mini asylum” cases, and they became an emotional and legal journey for the families. I began representing clients in affirmative cases of asylum and worked for free in many Special Immigrant visas (SIVs) and resettlement attempts of Afghans in danger in third countries. I traveled to Madrid and Lisbon to try to get humanitarian visas for Afghans in danger. However, my efforts were not successful. Instead, I helped five families of women activists relocate to these countries, when hundreds of Afghans needed urgent relocation. I spoke with any media outlet that would cover the story including BBC World News Al Jazeera CBS News Vice and Fox News. I gave journalists information about the difficulties faced by Afghan women, refugees and legal immigrants to the United States.

The adversities and obstacles, as well as the emotional toll brought by the work were not without moments of joy. I was able to help two children flee an abusive father and reach the United States safely to be reunited their mother. The small victories were what kept me going during the tough days of representing families who faced conflict, lack jobs, high travel and visa costs, and long waiting times. Many days I served as more of a life coach, counselor, or therapist to my clients than an attorney, as their mental and emotional stress was causing anxiety, depression, anger, and other negative emotions.

Immigration can be the only way to survive in certain situations. Afghan nationals are currently facing this situation, particularly those who have family in the United States, or worked for the US government. The effort is still going on two years later and it’s as important as ever. The continued advocacy of the AILA Community to request faster processing for Humanitarian parole cases for Afghan Nationals, to create a Refugee Center in Pakistan, or another neighboring country, so that thousands of “Priority refugees” can have cases processed, as well as creating a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for allies of Afghanistan, is crucial. We have a strong voice in the immigration community and must continue to speak up for Afghans, who are so desperate for our help.

AILA and other advocacy organizations continue to push for legislative and policy change to help. Every person, whether they are an immigration attorney, or not, can assist by taking part in the Take Action on the Afghan Adjustment Act today.