Support for Afghans

Many Afghans in the United States face challenges as they pursue permanent and secure residence. Navigating these issues can be complex and confusing. ILSAA offers useful information and free resources in Dari, Pashto, and English to support you in your immigration journey.

What free resources does ILSAA have?

You can find free information and resources for Afghan immigrants in English, Dari, and Pashto at the bottom of this page. Our Resource Library is also a good source of information for many topics related to resettlement and immigration.

Can I still get legal help from ILSAA?

The federal government is funding the Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA) project for a limited time. As a result, ILSAA is no longer accepting new clients. If you have been assigned to a lawyer, please contact them for support.

What if I have already contacted ILSAA and I'm waiting to have a lawyer assigned to my case?

ILSAA will contact you with information about the next steps. Given the high demand for services, it may take a few weeks for us to be in touch to help you.

Where else can I get legal help?

Contact your state refugee coordinator's office or consult our list of available resources.

Resources

This collection includes critical information for Afghan arrivals on current legal immigration issues. These materials are created for Afghans by ILSAA and other federal and non-federal organizations. They are all available in English, Dari, and Pashto, unless otherwise noted.

Access Resources for Afghan Arrivals

This curated resource list includes information on current legal immigration issues and challenges for Afghan newcomers from ILSAA and other federal and non-federal organizations.

Note: ILSAA is no longer accepting new clients. We are updating our resources to reflect this change.

Since 2022, ILSAA has provided Afghan immigrants across the country with the free legal services they need to navigate the U.S. legal immigration system.

ILSAA Websites

Learn more about how ILSAA has provided legal services to Eligible Afghan Arrivals (EAAs).

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/about-us/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
ILSAA Documents

Learn how to work with your lawyer to obtain legal residency in the United States.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/What_To_Expect_Filing_A_Case_English.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
ILSAA Documents

There are specific rules about who can practice law in the United States. Learn how to recognize fake lawyers who may be trying to scam you. You should only work with lawyers who are trained in immigration law and are in good standing.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ILSAA_Scam_Alert_How_To_Spot_A_Fake_Lawyer_English.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)

The following resources provide commonly requested legal information about re-parole, Operation Allies Welcome (OAW), and work authorization.

ILSAA Policy and Guidance

Learn about the re-parole process from a detailed, one-page resource. You can access instructional videos and additional resources.

Listen to a shareable audio message about this resource. (دری) (پښتو)

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ILSAA_DHS_Announces_Reparole_Process_For_Afghan_Arrivals_English.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Websites

Find answers to frequently asked questions about asylum.

https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/information-for-afghan-nationals/afghan-operation-allies-welcome-oaw-parolee-asylum-related-frequently-asked-questions (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services Websites

Read an overview of legal permanent solutions for Afghan nationals and find additional resources.

https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/information-for-afghan-nationals (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
Department of Justice Websites

Receive general information about U.S. employment rights for Afghan Special Immigrant Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), Afghan Special Immigrant Conditional Permanent Residents (CPRs), and Afghans granted parole under the Operation Allies Refuge (OAR) and Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) program.

https://www.justice.gov/crt/page/file/1445236/download (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Websites

Learn about the two processes USCIS offers certain Afghan nationals to maintain their parole and employment authorization for up to two years.

https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/information-for-afghan-nationals/re-parole-process-for-certain-afghans/a-quick-guide-to-support-the-afghan-workforce (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
ILSAA Documents

When a Tazkira is used as part of the asylum application for Afghans, it must be accompanied with a full English translation. This resource highlights common questions related to the Tazkira translation process.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ILSAA_Tazkira_Translation_Tips_English.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
ILSAA Videos and Webinars

This video provides helpful information for Afghans who have recently received asylum in the United States.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/resource/ilsaa-what-to-do-after-asylum-is-granted/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
ILSAA Videos and Webinars

Watch this video to learn about employment authorization for Afghan parolees in the United States.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/resource/ilsaa-video-for-afghan-arrivals-on-employment-authorization/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)

As you go through the immigration process, you may have questions about your case status. The following resources provide information about how to create an account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), check your case status, and other guidance about working with USCIS. Reach out to your legal service provider with any questions.

ILSAA Documents

Learn how to use the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status tool to receive an update on pending immigration applications or petitions.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/English_ILSAA_Check_Your_Case_Status_with_USCIS.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
ILSAA Documents

Keep your address current with the U.S. government to maintain legal residency in the United States. Learn how to update an address with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Change-of-Address-Instructions_English_508C.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Videos and Webinars

Watch a video to learn how to create a USCIS account online.

https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Videos and Webinars

Watch a video to learn how to complete Form I-131 online. Certain Afghan Nationals can complete Form I-131 online to apply for parole, re-parole, or an EAD (Work Authorization).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hegmUwAdhWc&t=12s (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)

Afghan youth have unique needs and are eligible for special kinds of services. In the United States, there are laws governing the rights of children that may be different from those in Afghanistan. Afghan youth may have traveled with their parents, with non-parental caregivers, or without a caregiver. The following resources provide considerations for caregivers and information for unaccompanied Afghan minors.

ILSAA Documents

Learn how to obtain the legal right to act on behalf of children and obtain services for them.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Guardianship_One_Pager_English.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
U.S. Department of State Websites

Learn about options for family reunification based on immigration status.

https://www.state.gov/afghanistan-family-reunification/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
Office of Refugee Resettlement Documents

Call the Office of Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) helpline to get help with problems related to family, safety, mental health, emotional distress, dealing with the court, and more.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/orr/national-call-center-wallet-card-english.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
Office of Refugee Resettlement Documents

Learn about the benefits available for Afghan youth. Benefits may include limited cash assistance, medical assistance, English language classes, and more.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/orr/benefits-for-afghan-minors-fact-sheet.pdf
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Websites

Learn which Afghan youth can have their initial parole period extended by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-extends-parole-by-two-years-for-certain-afghan-nationals-under-age-14
USAHello Policy and Guidance

Learn about U.S. laws related to children and parenting. Topics include children's rights, parental responsibility, school attendance, and more.

https://usahello.org/life-in-usa/family/parenting-laws/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)

Reuniting with family members who are still in Afghanistan is a top priority for many Afghans in the U.S. Consult the resources below to learn about the family reunification options available to you based on your immigration status and other factors. We recommend speaking to a lawyer about your particular case.

ILSAA Videos and Webinars

Learn about family reunification for different status holders in the United States (U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, asylees, and parolees). Understand next steps for reunification, including required forms and documents, based on your situation.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/resource/ilsaa-family-reunification-information-for-afghan-arrivals/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
U.S. Department of State Websites

Learn about the process to bring family members to the United States based on your immigration status. Find resources for government assistance related to family reunification.

https://www.state.gov/afghanistan-family-reunification/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
SettleIn Websites

Find out about family members in Afghanistan who may be eligible to enter the United States. Understand which documents are necessary and how to determine eligibility. Understand how practicing polygamy, which is not recognized as legal in the United States, affects immigration status.

https://www.settlein.support/en-us/articles/8969973840413 (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
U.S. Department of State Websites

Afghanistan has been listed by the Department of State as Do Not Travel (Level 4). U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) should not travel to Afghanistan to aid family members. Counseling is available for those experiencing distress. CARE is a resource to help families and individuals who are eligible for relocation. Find out more about CARE and services to help with reunification.

https://www.state.gov/afghanistan-inquiries/
USAHello Websites

Learn how a refugee, asylee, Afghan parolee, or Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder can apply to have family members join them in the United States.

https://usahello.org/immigration/asylum-refugees/family-reunification/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
International Refugee Assistance Program Websites

Read this practice guide by International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) for an overview of marriage in U.S. immigration processes, evidentiary requirements, and answers to common questions. Learn about hypothetical situations and marriage laws specific to Afghanistan.

https://web.tresorit.com/l/Rdu7N#sixxcL1uAIKVuPwKlwcyaw
Catholic Legal Immigration Network Websites

Learn about family reunification and other immigration options available for Afghans. This resource includes information on Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) processing, I-730 processing for derivative asylees, and refugee processing for derivatives.

https://www.cliniclegal.org/resources/humanitarian-relief/frequently-asked-questions-family-reunification-options-afghans
ILSAA Documents

Get the most important information about family reunification for Afghans based on immigration status.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ILSAA_Family_Reunification_For_Afghan_Arrivals_English.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)

Learn about life in the United States, public assistance programs, healthcare, education, domestic violence support, child welfare, counseling, housing, food assistance, and more. Please note that ILSAA focuses on legal resources and services and does not provide direct social services.

USAHello Websites

Find practical information and resources for newly arriving Afghans, including information about services and benefits, immigration, jobs, daily life, American culture, U.S. laws, money, health, and education.

https://usahello.org/afghan-resource-center/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
Office of Refugee Resettlement Websites

Learn about resources released by different federal agencies to support Afghans, including resettlement services, public benefits, healthcare, employment, family reunification, and immigration legal services. Additionally, discover opportunities for the public to support Afghan arrivals.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/programs/refugees/afghan-assistance-resources
Office of Refugee Resettlement Websites

Receive immediate and culturally appropriate counseling available in Dari, Pashto, and English by calling 800-615-6514 anytime. This service is available for those seeking support for domestic violence, sexual assault, or combat trauma, among other concerns.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/programs/refugees/afghan-behavioral-health-support (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
SettleIn Websites

Learn about life in the United States. You can find information and resources related to housing, employment, community services, learning English, and more.

https://settleinus.org/life-in-the-u-s/ (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
ILSAA Documents

Learn common ways you may be asked to vote or register to vote and the risks for non-U.S. citizens.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ILSAA_Why_Non_U.S._Citizens_Should_Not_Vote_or_Register_to_Vote_English.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)
ILSAA Documents

See a comprehensive list of national resources for Eligible Afghan Arrivals, including groups that help with legal services, housing, health, benefits, and education.

https://ilsaa.acf.hhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ILSAA_Comprehensive_Resource_List_for_Afghan_Arrivals_English.pdf (دری/Dari) | (پښتو/Pashto)

View ILSAA resources

Resource Library