Human Rights First
Legal Representation for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Applicants
Help Afghans who supported the U.S. obtain Special Immigrant Visas
Posted January 29, 2022
Work & Deliverables
We are facing an unprecedented crisis caused by the chaotic and rushed withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan. Welcome Legal Alliance is a coordinated coalition effort to ensure that recent Afghan evacuees in the United States are welcomed to the U.S. with dignity and have access to pro bono legal representation. Due to the high volume of requests, we are in need to work with volunteer attorneys that can represent an individual in their Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) application. The SIV process is broken down into 1) Chief of Mission (COM) Approval; 2) I-360 Application and 3) Application for Adjustment of Status I-485. Most of the work can be completed remotely. We provide various resources and samples regarding the SIV process, including sample COM submission emails, sample applications and cover letters, and a very detailed FAQ regarding various aspects of the SIV process. Our resource bank is always growing. Human Rights First also provides mentoring attorneys that can respond to questions on an as-needed basis and review final applications. Thank you for signing up to help us in this effort!
Preparation Phase
- Sign up and an HRF employee will reach out to provide you with an available case
- Volunteer receives case packet, including client materials and screening information
- Prepare an engagement letter
Collaboration Phase
- Review the file, contact the client, and begin preparing applications and supporting documents
- File applications (depends on stage of the case)
- Await adjudication, appear telephonically or in-person at an interview with immigration
- Contact Human Rights First with questions, if any
Wrap Up
- Ensure that the client has copies of their approval notices, green card
- Provide client with a disengagement/termination letter
- Inform Human Rights First as to outcomes
Human Rights First
Human Rights First is an independent advocacy and action organization that challenges America to live up to its ideals. Since our inception 43 years ago, we have worked to create a just world in which every person’s intrinsic human rights are respected and protected, to build societies that value and invest in all their people. To reach that goal demands assisting victims of injustice, bringing perpetrators of abuse to justice, and building institutions that ensure universal rights. Human Rights First has helped tens of thousands of individuals who came to the United States fleeing persecution, torture, and threats of death. We have 43 years of experience providing removal defense and affirmative immigration relief both in-house through direct representation and our pro bono model, which engages attorneys from law firms, corporations, and law school clinics across the country to provide pro bono representation to our clients.
Human Rights First
Human Rights First is an independent advocacy and action organization that challenges America to live up to its ideals. Since our inception 43 years ago, we have worked to create a just world in which every person’s intrinsic human rights are respected and protected, to build societies that value and invest in all their people. To reach that goal demands assisting victims of injustice, bringing perpetrators of abuse to justice, and building institutions that ensure universal rights. Human Rights First has helped tens of thousands of individuals who came to the United States fleeing persecution, torture, and threats of death. We have 43 years of experience providing removal defense and affirmative immigration relief both in-house through direct representation and our pro bono model, which engages attorneys from law firms, corporations, and law school clinics across the country to provide pro bono representation to our clients.