Information for Afghans
Welcome
The Afghan nationals who have been coming to the United States in 2021 have different immigration categories. The two most common are Special Immigrant Visas and Humanitarian Parole. These immigration categories affect:
1) How long you can stay in the U.S.,
2) What you need to do to stay in the U.S. long term,
3) Your public benefits, and
4) How you can get lawful permanent residency.
Read below for information on Special Immigrant Visas, Humanitarian Parole, Family-based immigration, and applying for Asylum in the U.S.
Information for Afghans
Welcome
The Afghan nationals who have been coming to the United States in 2021 have different immigration categories. The two most common are Special Immigrant Visas and Humanitarian Parole. These immigration categories affect:
1) How long you can stay in the U.S.,
2) What you need to do to stay in the U.S. long term,
3) Your public benefits, and
4) How you can get lawful permanent residency.
Read below for information on Special Immigrant Visas, Humanitarian Parole, Family-based immigration, and applying for Asylum in the U.S.
Background Image: Shawl, China
Special Immigrant Visas
Many people coming to the United States from Afghanistan arrived with a Special Immigrant Visa, or SIV. Learn more about this visa and the benefits Special Immigrants are entitled to here.
Humanitarian Parole
Because there was not enough time to process every one fleeing Afghanistan as a Special Immigrant, many people arriving in the United States were given Humanitarian Parole status. Learn more about how this differs from a Special Immigrant Visa and the steps those on Humanitarian Parole need to take in order to remain in the United States.
Family-Based Immigration
If you are trying to bring other family members to the United States from Afghanistan or another country, family-based immigration may be one option. Learn More.
Applying for Asylum
Claiming Asylum might be a way for Afghans who are afraid to go back to Afghanistan to stay in the United States. People who get asylum can apply for lawful permanent residency one year after they get asylum. USCIS has promised expedited processing for Afghan asylum applicants once they are resettled. For detailed information on applying for asylum, click here or here.
Additional Resources
When you have to depend on your lawyer to help you navigate and understand your options, it is especially important to find someone trustworthy and competent.
Refugees coming to the United States must make several adjustments, and often have questions about green cards, citizenship, and work permits.
These three immigration mistakes could seriously hurt your chances of getting a green card, or lawfully immigrating to the United States.