International Rescue Committee - Afghan Legal Assistance
Help Unaccompanied Hazara Child Seek Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Help a young Haraza child evacuated from Afghanistan without his parents stay in the US
Posted August 1, 2022
Background & Context
Since August 2021, the US government has evacuated many Afghans fleeing from the Taliban to the US. The International Rescue Committee has resettled 600 Afghans in San Diego. These Afghans include unaccompanied minors--children who were evacuated from Afghanistan to the US without their parents. Many Afghans and their relatives worked for the US mission in Afghanistan and/or belong to a minority group historically persecuted by the Taliban, including Hazara and Shia Muslims. However, they only have temporary permission to reside in the US. Thus, many Afghans need to seek a permanent immigration status in order to stay in the US and avoid being sent back into the hands of the Taliban.
Immediate Problem
Afghans in San Diego have few legal resources, especially for unaccompanied minors. Your assistance will help a Hazara child stay in the US and avoid being sent back to Afghanistan, where he faces torture, murder, and other forms of persecution.
Work & Deliverables
We are looking for an attorney with immigration and/or family law experience to represent a young Hazara child in applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. This project requires appearance in San Diego juvenile court and representation on filings with USCIS.
Preparation Phase
- Meet with the IRC San Diego immigration representative to learn about the case.
- Review pre-collected notes and documents relating to the case.
- Schedule an initial interview with the client.
Collaboration Phase
- Interview the client.
- Obtain factual determinations from juvenile court necessary for SIJS eligibility.
Wrap Up
- Submit the SIJS petition to USCIS.
- If the SIJS petition is granted, apply for a green card with USCIS.
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.