International Rescue Committee - Afghan Legal Assistance
Help Afghans in Danger Request Asylum (Wichita or Remote)
Help Afghan allies, religious/ethnic minorities, and women resettled in Wichita stay in the US
Posted July 15, 2022
Background & Context
Since August 2021, the US government has evacuated many Afghans fleeing from the Taliban to the US. About 400 Afghans were resettled in Wichita. Many Afghans and their relatives worked for the US mission in Afghanistan and/or belong to a minority group historically persecuted by the Taliban. However, they only have temporary permission to reside in the US. Thus, many Afghans need to request asylum in order to stay in the US and avoid being sent back into the hands of the Taliban.
Immediate Problem
Afghans in Wichita have virtually no access to legal resources and urgently need your help to file for asylum. Your assistance will help Afghans stay in the US and avoid being sent back to Afghanistan, where they face torture, murder, and other forms of persecution.
Work & Deliverables
Attorneys may assist in a variety of ways: (1) Experienced attorneys may directly represent asylum-seekers in filing for asylum; (2) Experienced attorneys may help asylum-seekers prepare pro se asylum applications; (3) Experienced attorneys may serve as mentors to inexperienced attorneys assisting asylum-seekers; (4) Inexperienced attorneys may help pro se asylum-seekers prepare asylum applications after receiving training on asylum law; (5) Inexperienced attorneys may directly represent asylum-seekers in filing for asylum after being matched with a mentor and after receiving training on asylum law and procedure. The asylum requests are affirmative asylum applications filed by mail with the Nebraska USCIS office. Does not require appearance in immigration court. Remote assistance is welcome.
Preparation Phase
- For experienced attorneys offering mentorship, be paired with an inexperienced attorney.
- For all inexperienced attorneys, review trainings on asylum law and procedure.
- For inexperienced attorneys directly representing, be paired with a mentor.
Collaboration Phase
- Interview the asylum applicant.
- Collect and copy necessary documents.
- Complete the Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
- For mentors, provide ongoing advice and support as needed to inexperienced attorneys.
Wrap Up
- Submit the asylum application to USCIS.
- For attorneys directly representing, appear at the asylum interview (telephonically or in person).
- For mentors, review the asylum application before submission and offer advice for the interview.
International Rescue Committee - Afghan Legal Assistance
The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the people of the United States into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities.
International Rescue Committee - Afghan Legal Assistance
The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the people of the United States into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities.