Afghan Client Support

Switchboard’s YouTube channel has tons of resources, ranging from recorded webinars to overviews of ORR programs and case scenarios. Over the past few months, they’ve created a video series for supporting Afghan newcomers' mental health needs using technological resources. 

OB-GYN Care for Afghans: This toolkit is a resource for health care providers who provide obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) care to Afghan newcomers. The toolkit includes information regarding Afghanistan, health care and health outcomes in Afghanistan, traditional practices and cultural norms for pregnant and postpartum Afghan women, recommendations for providing OB-GYN care and general health care to new Afghan arrivals, and tools for providers and patients. 

Behtara Zhwand: Afghan Adjustment Support Toolkit: This toolkit created in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), is designed to support Afghan newcomers adjusting to life in the U.S. The toolkit offers a community-led approach to adjustment support, with sessions facilitated by trained Afghan peers.   

Afghan Adjustment Support Groups: In this blog post, learn how Afghan Adjustment Support Groups, led by IRC in Sacramento and Oakland, provide Afghan newcomers with a safe space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and navigate resettlement challenges.

Afghan Dastarkhwan: Eating Healthy on a Budget in the United States: This three-part toolkit supports Afghan newcomers as they navigate a new food landscape in the U.S., promoting healthy food choices, budget-friendly shopping strategies, and Afghan recipes like shorba, bolani, and lobia. It also includes presentation slides with speaking notes, hands-on activities, educational videos, and more in English, Dari and Pashto.

New Promising Practice: Women’s Resilience Center: Discover how the Women’s Resilience Center (WRC) in San Diego, established by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), transforms support for Afghan newcomer women. The WRC offers in-language programs, healthcare support, and a welcoming, women-only space to help overcome social isolation and navigate healthcare challenges. 

Vaccines to Protect You and Your Baby During Pregnancy: This video series, created for Afghan families by the Multilingual Health Education Alliance (M-Heal), provides essential information on vaccines during pregnancy. It explains how they strengthen the immune system to protect against infections and is available in Dari and Pashto. 

Sharia-Compliant Finance: How Newcomers Can Safeguard Wealth and Avoid Exploitation: This Switchboard resource list is designed to help service providers educate themselves about Sharia-compliant finance, recognize affinity fraud and other common scams, and access general resources to enhance client financial capability. Additionally, this post contains links to the websites of vetted financial institutions and lenders who offer Sharia-compliant loan products and investment opportunities.  

Supporting Afghan Newcomers: IRC Denver's Health and Wellness Workbook: Learn how the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Denver created a Health and Wellness Workbook to support Afghan newcomers navigating the U.S. healthcare system. This portable book includes personalized medical information, healthcare basics, local provider contacts, and patient rights. Organizations can download their own bilingual Health and Wellness Workbook on the NRC-RIM website. The bilingual workbooks have undergone extensive cultural validation and are available in Dari/English and Pashto/English.

Summer Heat and Water Safety: The National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants (NRC-RIM) created a summer safety collection which includes tips for staying safe in hot temperatures and bodies of water. Share translated flyers, social media assets, and text messages with Afghan newcomers in your community. 

Navigating Conversations about Measles: A Comprehensive Guide: Amid global outbreaks and heightened concerns, it's essential to provide Afghan newcomers with accurate information about measles. The National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants (NRC-RIM) created a conversation guide and accompanying fact sheet to equip service providers to address common questions effectively.  

Facilitating Discussions About Mental Health with Afghan Newcomer Communities: This guide is intended to define mental health and trauma while explaining the common mental health struggles that resettled Afghan newcomers may face. Service providers will also learn about barriers to accessing mental health services Afghan newcomers may encounter. 

Policy Report: Afghan Family Reunification: This report provides an overview of family reunification options for Afghan nationals in the United States. It discusses the different processes that Afghan nationals can pursue to reunite with family members who are currently outside of the United States, particularly those in Afghanistan. It concludes with policy recommendations to improve family-based immigration for Afghans. 

Post-Resettlement Behavioral Health Support offers resources on mental health and wellness, adjustment disorder, body safety and consent, and taking your child to a doctor’s visit.  

Afghan Behavioral Health Support offers free counseling via the Afghan Wellness Helpline 24/7. Dial 800-615-6514 or email afghanmh@uscrimail.org. Newcomers who are experiencing sadness, anger, anxiety, fear, depression, difficulty sleeping, or any other distress can receive counseling services in Dari and Pashto. 

Immigrant and Refugee Health offers information on communicable diseases of public health significance, medical exams, and vaccine-preventable diseases. Examine health education and tools, laws and regulations, and more.   

What to Expect in 2024: Current and Anticipated Trends in Afghan Asylum Cases: This recorded webinar reviews key legal issues faced by legal service providers who worked with the Afghan arrival community in 2023. It also includes a discussion on the anticipated issues to come in 2024, along with a panel of experts discussing asylum cases, family reunification, case processing times, and more. 

Support Healthy Eating Among Afghan Newcomers: A new series of videos has been created in partnership with the International Rescue Committee to help Afghan communities learn about traditional recipes such as Shorba, Bolani, and Lobia. These videos also provide tips on how to make these dishes budget friendly. 

Adjustment Of Status For Afghans Paroled Into The U.S.: This resource, developed by Switchboard and VECINA, is intended for attorneys and legal representatives and focuses on the common ways that Afghans paroled into the United States through Operation Allies Refuge may obtain permanent residence.   

Vaccines and Ramadan: A Guide to Health and Safety: The National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM) and partners have created a series of videos and other resources about Ramadan faith leaders addressing potential questions or concerns from members of Muslim communities. 

Afghan Men Supporting Women's Wellness: NRC-RIM created a video series tailored for Afghan men supporting their wife's or female family members' wellness. 

Supporting Client Food Needs During Ramadan: Many newly arrived Muslims are still learning to navigate the food resources available to them, and some are living in temporary accommodation with limited cooking appliances, which can make it difficult to prepare traditional foods in sufficient quantities to healthily break the fast each night. This blog post outlines how service providers can meet the needs of Muslim clients who are observing Ramadan while living with limited food resources.   

Filing Asylee I-730 Petitions for Afghans: This course is designed to help legal staff at ORR-funded organizations understand the I-730 process for Afghan asylees. The course explains all aspects of the I-730 process, along with samples and job aids that you can download. 

Higher Ed Afghan Response: This fact sheet includes resources and information on understanding the legal status of Afghan arrivals, hosting displaced Afghan scholars, enrolling Afghan students in school, and welcoming Afghan newcomers on campus and as your new neighbor. 

Afghan Immigrants in the United States: This report from the Migration Policy Institute provides information on the Afghan immigrant population in the United States, focusing on its size, geographic distribution, and socioeconomic characteristics. 

Can I Travel Outside the U.S.? A New Resource for Afghan Arrivals: This fact sheet provides information on traveling outside the United States based on your current immigration status and the status of your application.

Watch New Video on Family Reunification Information for Afghan Arrivals: This recorded presentation provides basic information about seeking reunification with family members living in Afghanistan. 

Access ILSAA Services Through REACTlegal in Northern Virginia: ILSAA is partnering with REACT DC to provide legal services that support Eligible Afghan Arrivals (EAAs) in need of pro bono representation for their immigration needs. Contact REACTlegal services for more information at 571-241-4822 or REACTlegal@reactdc.org. 

Support Afghan Newcomers in Navigating the U.S. Healthcare System with this New Toolkit: NRC-RIM teamed up with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to create a new toolkit that supports Afghan newcomers in making medical appointments, picking up a prescription, requesting an interpreter and more. 

Employment Information for Afghans in the United States: This fact sheet, developed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, provides information on protections for Afghans Special Immigration Visa holders and humanitarian parolees under INA’s anti-discrimination provision. This resource is  also available in Dari and Pashto.

Answering FAQs On Benefits For Ukrainian And Afghan Humanitarian Parolees Arriving On Or After October 1, 2023: This blog post from Switchboard details frequently asked questions surrounding benefit eligibility for Afghan Humanitarian Parolees. 

Family Reunification Information for Afghan Arrivals provides basic information in Dari and Pashto on seeking reunification with family members living in Afghanistan. Spread the word about this resource.   

Adjustment of Status for Afghan Asylees helps enhance your understanding about common issues facing legal service providers who are supporting Afghan clients seeking adjustment of status.  

Empowering Afghan Communities: Comprehensive Health Resources in English, Dari, and Pashto for New Arrivals and Dedicated Providers: Explore a curated collection of resources to address the public health needs of Afghan newcomers and the professionals supporting them. 

Supporting the Mental Health of Afghan Newcomers: This collection of health communications, promising practices, checklists, guides, and training opportunities will help organizations improve their efforts to support Afghan newcomers as they navigate the complicated emotions and stressors that come with migration. 

What Afghan Minors And Their Caregivers Need To Know: Do you have Afghan Minor clients who were paroled into the United States? They may need to apply for re-parole. This resource, developed by Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ISLAA), provides instructions and additional resources for clients that may be in this situation. 

Programs for Resettled Afghan Youth: Recently resettled Afghans are adapting to their new lives, contributing to communities, and pursuing opportunities. However, some face challenges related to trauma and navigating new systems. Afghan youth under age 25 may have similar challenges but need tailored programs for successful integration into communities, schools, and workplaces. Discover how Refugee Women’s Network (RWN) supported Afghan youth with peer-to-peer programming in this promising practice. 

Legal Information for Afghan Arrivals: These videos from the Immigration Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provide comprehensive guidance on the re-parole process for Afghan nationals, including preparation for re-parole, its implementation, and information on family reunification: 

Legal Support for Afghan Newcomers in the Coming Year: This blog post summarizes some of the major legal needs of the Afghan newcomer community and shares useful services and resources on this topic.   

GUIDE: Facilitating Discussions About Mental Health with Afghan Newcomer Communities: This guide is intended to define mental health and trauma while explaining the common mental health struggles that resettled Afghans may face. 

Weekly Office Hours For Legal Questions Related To OAR Parolees: These weekly office hours, hosted in partnership with VECINA, are for lawyers and accredited representatives working at ORR-Funded organizations with questions about immigration cases for OAR parolees. You can drop in at any point during the hour. Every Thursday, 1:00—2:00 p.m. CT 

USCIS Video Demos for filing I-131 for Re-parole  

Other helpful resource videos from USCIS:  

The Department of Homeland Security has revised its REAL ID frequently asked questions webpage to confirm that Afghans with re-parole or an extension of their initial parole remain eligible for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card. You can find the updated REAL ID frequently asked questions here. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for the newest FAQ.

DMVs should be following the guidance for REAL IDs as outlined in these REAL ID FAQs and may find the need to verify Afghan immigration statuses and EAD extensions using the SAVE system. See Information for SAVE Users: Afghan Arrival Categories, Documentation, and SAVE Responses.  

USCIS has released the following webpage as a Quick Guide to Support the Afghan Workforce and help employers understand what documentation they should accept for folks who are approved for re- or extension of parole. Updated guidance and factsheets from DOJ’s Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) Section are forthcoming.    

New Virtual Resettlement Line for Afghan and Ukrainian Newcomers: NRC-RIM is partnering with the International Rescue Committee to provide information on health-related concerns to Afghan and Ukrainian newcomers via the Virtual Resettlement Line (VRL).

USCIS has released the following webpage as a Quick Guide to Support the Afghan Workforce that helps employers understand what documentation they should accept for folks who are approved for re- or extension of parole. Updated guidance and factsheets from DOJ’s Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) Section are forthcoming. 

The following helpful resources for re-parole are also available on the USCIS main OAW page: 

DMVs should be following the guidance for REAL IDs as outlined in these REAL ID FAQs and may find the need to verify Afghan immigration statuses and EAD extensions using the SAVE system. See Information for SAVE Users: Afghan Arrival Categories, Documentation, and SAVE Responses.  

Toolkit: Supporting Afghan Students in Schools & Youth Programs in the United States: This toolkit equips educators with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by newly arrived Afghan students and their families, providing insights into the Afghan educational system, core considerations for engagement, practical strategies for effective support, and resources to enhance their integration into the American education system. 

Welcoming Afghan Newcomer Students Back to School: This webinar provides a brief background on educational systems in Afghanistan, expands on cultural and migratory stressors, and discusses strength-based strategies to use across school settings.   

Legal Support for Afghan Newcomers in the Coming Year: The legal needs of the Afghan community have shifted as the initial parole periods end and more Afghans obtain other statuses. This blog post summarizes some of the major legal needs of the Afghan newcomer community and shares useful services and resources on this topic.  

Rebuilding a life in a new country is incredibly difficult. Trying to do so while living with temporary legal status is even harder. USAHello’s virtual Afghan Resource Center is available to help with the transition. 

Demystifying Filing for Afghan Re-Parole with USCIS: Providing Clarity and Guidance for Providers: On June 9, 2023, USCIS announced a new, streamlined process for certain Afghan newcomers to extend or renew their original parole period in the United States. This webinar provides an overview of the new process.

Conversations Guide: Coping with Stress: NRC RIM’s conversation guide equips service providers and bilingual community leaders to have conversations with Afghan clients about coping with stress while centering Afghan perspectives and cultural traditions. This is a preview to more mental health education materials to come.   

Mental Health and Social Support Programming for Afghan Newcomers: Learn how Afghan Health Initiative and Alight have been providing social support programs for Afghan newcomers. 

Two Years Since the Fall of Afghanistan: Useful Resources to Support Afghan Newcomers in the U.S.: As the process of integration continues, both strengths and challenges continue to arise and evolve. This post shares resources that will help service providers better assist Afghan newcomers. 

Afghan evacuees feel stuck in limbo as their asylum applications to be resettled in the U.S. under a special program known as "P2" slowly make progress, reports Reuters. 

Two years on, what has happened to Afghan evacuees? More than 124,000 civilians were evacuated from Afghanistan in August and September 2021, but many find themselves struggling with short-term and restrictive visa situations in the United States and Europe. Many more remain stuck in Pakistan, Iran, the Persian Gulf, and in African countries, waiting for news, fearing deportation, and contemplating risky journeys to Europe and the United States to try to claim asylum. 

Vox takes an in-depth look at both the progress and the holdups for tens of thousands of Afghan allies who await congressional action to cement their futures here. 

Al Jazeera reports that many Afghan allies who supported American forces are still in Pakistan, waiting for a visa that could allow them to travel to the U.S.   

Weekly Office Hours for Legal Questions Related to Operation Allies Refuge (OAR) Parolees: Weekly Office Hours are solely for lawyers and accredited representatives working at ORR-Funded organizations with questions about immigration cases for Operation Allies Refuge (OAR) parolees. (You will be asked to share your name, organization, and role when attending). VECINA, in partnership with Switchboard, will host these office hours. There is no agenda or presentation during Office Hours. You can drop in at any point during the hour to ask your questions. Please use this Zoom link to join the Office Hours every week: Every Thursday as of June 2023.

Re-parole — Afghan-American Foundation: The Afghan-American Foundation has developed and put together two resources to assist eligible Afghans in preparing their applications for re-parole, enabling them to continue living and working legally in the U.S.  

Checklist for Afghan Nationals Preparing to Apply for Re-Parole in June 2023:  

On May 5, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that certain Afghan nationals paroled into the United States will be able to apply for an additional parole period, or re-parole, and employment authorization online or on paper in June 2023 under a new streamlined application process. USCIS will consider these re-parole requests on a case-by-case basis, and if granted, the Afghan national will receive an additional two-year period of parole, and also be eligible for employment authorization for two years. 

Detailed instructions on when this streamlined re-parole and employment authorization application process will be available, and the criteria for applying, will be made available soon. 

Get Ready to File Online  
To file online, eligible Afghan nationals will generally submit an application for re-parole and employment authorization, through their USCIS online account. Eligible Afghans can create an online account now to ensure that they are ready to apply online when it is available under the new application process. A paper process will also be made available as part of this streamlined process available in June. 

The Benefits of Filing Online 
When filing a request through the USCIS online account, applicants can prevent common mistakes such as a missing signature, missing pages, or an incomplete application. These issues may be why some forms are rejected when filed on paper. Through the USCIS online account, applicants can check the status of their case, access notices sent by USCIS, communicate with USCIS, and respond to Requests for Evidence. 

Step 1: Create a free USCIS online account. 

  • We have resources in Dari and Pashto to help guide you through the steps to set up your online account.  

  • If you already have a USCIS online account, you will need to know the email address and password you used to set up your account. Do not wait too long to confirm your access to your account. 

Step 2: Gather required documents. 

  • Whether you are applying for re-parole online or on paper, you will need to provide documentation to confirm your identity that shows your photo, name, and date of birth. Examples include a copy of your current USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document, or a government-issued driver’s license, passport, or Tazkira. Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.  

  • If you submit a passport, you must include copies of the biographical page and visas issued from any country. 

  • Do not submit a Tazkira unless you have never previously submitted one to USCIS. 

  • If you have never submitted a Tazkira to USCIS, but you are unable to provide one, list your father’s and mother’s first names and explain in writing why you cannot provide a Tazkira. 

Step 3: If you have moved, update your address with USCIS. 

  • Be sure to update your address with USCIS within 10 days of moving and each time you move. This is a condition of your parole. 

  • There are two ways to update your address with USCIS:  

Step 4: Watch for upcoming announcements and engagements about re-parole. 

For additional information for Afghan nationals and possible immigration options you may be eligible for, visit uscis.gov/allieswelcome.   

Blog: Are You Serving Afghan Clients with Mental and Behavioral Health Needs? A New National Program Can Help: Read more to learn how to make a referral or request assistance.   

The Behavioral Health Support Program: USCRI, in partnership with Rambo House Media, have set up a 24/7 national crisis hotline to support newly resettled Afghans: 800-615-6514. Counseling is provided on a need-to-need basis, and referrals to the appropriate services are provided immediately. Cases in need of emergency intervention will be flagged to the Crisis Response Team (CRT).  

Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA) also has a new update email system that you can sign up for. This includes Afghan Arrivals themselves, local resettlement agencies and also Legal Service Providers. Sign up now to receive valuable resources, news, and updates by completing this form. LRAs will receive timely information on webinars, events, bi-lingual resource documents and videos and information on TPS, address changes, etc. 

Virtual Resettlement Line (VRL): It is a one-stop resource for any prospective clients who are not yet connected to a resettlement agency or who are struggling to access benefits or resources in their communities. VRL is staffed by English, Ukrainian, Russian, Dari and Pashto speaking virtual navigators. VRL is open 8am – 4pm CT Monday – Friday by calling +1 (212) 551 - 3010 or emailing VRL@rescue.org  

Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA) also has a new update email system that you can sign up for. This includes Afghan Arrivals themselves, local resettlement agencies and also Legal Service Providers. Sign up now to receive valuable resources, news, and updates by completing this form. LRAs will receive timely information on webinars, events, bi-lingual resource documents and videos and information on TPS, address changes, etc. 

AfghanEvac and the Afghan-American Foundation announced the launch of the launching the Afghan Community Ambassadors Program. The goal of this program is to connect community leaders from all across the United States to help ensure every Afghan who has recently arrived has access to information they need. Learn more here. 

DHS/USCIS announced that it will establish a process by which Afghan nationals who were paroled into the United States through Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) may request re-parole and employment documentation to ensure continuity of lawful presence and employment.   Beginning in June, OAW arrivals will be able to request re-parole through online and paper filing.  DHS/USCIS will share additional information in the coming weeks and recommends that OAW arrivals create or update their online accounts on myUSCIS to prepare.

Pashtun Fathers Come Together to Talk Health at Local Afghan Restaurant:The Health Collaborative has been working closely with the Afghan refugee community of San, Antonio, TX and began a Fathers x Fathers health discussion group to give Afghan men a space to discuss their concerns, improve health literacy, and form a community of parents while adjusting to life in a new country. The Fathers x Fathers program is an adaptation of NRC-RIM's Mothers x Mothers campaign, which allows organizations to customize a health curriculum that pertains to their community’s concerns. 

Free Legal Services for Eligible Afghan Arrivals: Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA), implemented by U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), offers Eligible Afghan Arrivals free immigration legal services and provides the opportunity for Legal Service Providers (LSP) to gain access to a private network of accredited attorneys with unique knowledge and expertise to serve Eligible Afghan Arrivals. The ILSAA website is a direct resource helping evacuated Afghans located in the U.S. connect with trained legal experts. 

Upwardly global has released a new report on the critical value of Afghan Newcomers to the US economy and society. You can find this encouraging report here.  

Afghan Clinic is a health education initiative by and for Afghans dedicated to promoting the wellbeing and agency of Afghan people. They have published a number of videos in Dari, including information on diabetes, COVID-19, and how to use Zoom from a phone. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Family Reunification Options for Afghans: This guide from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc., provides an overview of both the traditional immigration pathways as well as the new avenues for refugee processing and family reunification available to Afghan evacuees. 

Curated Health Resources for Afghan Communities: This collection of fact sheets, posters, videos, audio recordings and other resources supports the public health needs of Afghan new arrivals and the providers who serve them free of charge. These materials cover a variety of topics, from lead poisoning, pregnancy, MMR, polio and COVID-19. 

A Handbook for Teaching English to Afghan Women Refugees: This handbook, authored by Deborah de Lambery, seeks to train volunteer mentors who work with Afghan women refugees. The handbook provides an overview of the historical and cultural background of Afghanistan and a variety of lesson ideas.   

Archived Webinar: A Service Provider Roundtable on Supporting Afghan Women: This webinar from the Canadian Women's Foundation discusses the ways service providers can better support Afghan women, girls, and gender-diverse people. 

Immigration Legal Services for Afghan Arrivals (ILSAA) has new resources available in English, Pashto and Dari. These materials can be found on ORR’s website on the Afghan Assistance Resources page. 

USCRI’s Afghan Behavioral Health program is off and running. Crisis teams and mental health professionals are standing by to provide support in acute mental health crises both virtual and on-site. There is also a 24/7 national help line to provide immediate counseling support and referrals in English, Pashto and Dari. That number is 800-615-6514. Click here for more information on the Afghan Behavioral Health program. 

Resource Collection: Legal Services for Afghan Newcomers: While there are ways to obtain permanent legal status through asylum or Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs, those processes take time and can experience significant delays. To help service providers navigate these complex challenges, this blog post provides a list of websites with listings of legal service providers, various programs, and tools under the “Additional Resources” section. A key new program funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement is also highlighted.    

ORR has announced a new program, Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat: This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) announces the release and award of a one-time competitive grant to twenty-four recipients to implement the Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat (SASIC) program. 

Guide: Frequently Asked Questions: Family Reunification Options for Afghans: Many Afghans paroled into the United States in 2021 and 2022 are seeking to reunify with family members left behind in Afghanistan or who are residing in third countries. This FAQ provides an overview of both the traditional immigration pathways as well as the new avenues for refugee processing and family reunification available to Afghan evacuees.

Faith-based Healing among Afghan Muslims: Guidance for refugee service providers in the U.S.: From Switchboard, this guide will give you a brief introduction to Islam to help you understand how faith-based practices can help Muslim clients cope with trauma and promote healing.  

From the Congressional Research Service (CRS): Updated Afghan Eligibility for Selected Benefits Based on Immigration Status: This resource, created by the Congressional Research Service, gives an update to the Afghan eligibility for selected benefits.  

To access the web-based family reunification application, parolees should visit Afghanistan Family Reunification and navigate to the section on parolees for more information. This section will contain a link to the Parolee Family Reunification Form where they may apply. The link is also located at this site: DS-4317 Family Reunification Assistance for Afghan Parolees' Immediate Family Members outside the US. 

“Coping during the Asylum Process: A Guide for Youth” from Heartland Alliance includes information about the asylum process and coping skills. It’s available in English, Spanish, and Dari. 

Getting to Know Afghan Newcomers: Recognizing Diversity, Ethnic Tensions, and Social Values: This new blog post from Switchboard advises service providers on keeping the complex history of Afghanistan in mind as well as acknowledging the importance of understanding that Afghans have unique customs, traditions, and beliefs that migrate with them as they begin to integrate into life in the United States. 

The Afghan Resource Center from USAHello offers practical information and resources for newly arriving Afghans to the USA. Find information in English, Dari, or Pashto on services and benefits, immigration, jobs, daily life, American culture, U.S. laws, money, health, and education. 

Getting to Know Afghan Newcomers: Considerations for Culturally Aware Communication: In this blog post from Switchboard, Dr. Farid Saydee, a native of Afghanistan and the Founder and President of Language Mentors International, offers a variety of considerations that may help build a strong rapport with Afghan clients.    

The Justice Department has published resources for Afghans and Ukrainians on their employment rights. Click here for links, videos, fact sheets, hotlines and more. 

The Department of State announced the launch of an Afghan family reunification landing page. The landing page will be located on a new section of the Department’s Afghanistan Inquiries page, and the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan and the USCIS websites which will direct individuals seeking reunification with their family members to the available pathways.

Certain Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees Are Employment Authorized Incident to Parole: Effective Nov. 21, 2022, Ukrainian and Afghan parolees, and their qualifying family members, with certain classes of admission are considered employment authorized incident to parole, which means that they do not need to wait for USCIS to approve their Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, before they can work in the United States.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it is extending and expanding previously announced filing fee exemptions and expedited application processing for certain Afghan nationals. Certain Afghan nationals are eligible for the following fee exemptions and expedited processing, through Sept. 30, 2023.

A reminder from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that Afghans who arrived on OAW parole must notify USCIS of an address change within 10 days of moving within the United States or its territories. Changes of address can be filed online and at the same time the address for any pending applications and petitions can also be done by using the USCIS Online Change of Address system.

There is a new email address for requests for changes to Afghan I-94s. Moving forward, please contact the Traveler Communications Center Team at tcc@cbp.dhs.gov.

Cultural and Practical Considerations for Working with Afghan Clients: All five modules of this archived webinar are now available to watch. Click each topic to access the video: Afghan History, Language and Working with Interpreters, Ethnicity and Consideration for Mitigating Interethinic Tension, Cultural and Religious Considerations, and Gender-Sensitive Services. 

Resources and Information from the new #AfghanEvac site, which provides links to several different categories of resources for Afghan allies, handlers, and advocacy organizations. 

Welcoming Afghan Newcomer Students Back to School: This webinar will provide a brief background on educational systems in Afghanistan, expand on cultural and migratory stressors, and discuss strength-based strategies to use across school settings. These topics will be explored using case studies and Switchboard’s toolkit Supporting Afghan Students in Schools & Youth Programs in the United States.

Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) Program Fact Sheet: This resource, created by the U.S. Department of State, provides information on the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program (APA). Click here to read more.

USCIS has new flyers in English, Pashto and Dari on lawful immigration pathways and asylum. They are available on their website uscis.gov/allieswelcome or by clicking here:

Conflicting Gender Norms: Complications and Considerations of Afghan Integration: As the process of integration continues for many Afghans, numerous issues have surfaced regarding gender dynamics. This post is based on interviews with multiple evacuees who have arrived since August 2021 and those who supported the Afghan newcomers, including interpreters and refugee service providers. This post summarizes key takeaways on gender dynamics.  

Archived Webinars Representing Afghan Parolees and Common Barriers to Asylum, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and American Bar Association 

Affirmative Asylum for Afghan nationals within the United States from Migration and Refugee Services 

Afghan Special Immigrant Visa: Step-by-step application process from Migration and Refugee Services 

Family Reunification for family members of Afghan nationals residing in the US from Migration and Refugee Services 

Upwardly Global published some new information about professional backgrounds of Afghan newcomers and the continued need for workforce inclusion

An Afghan’s Guide to America, a series of videos in Pashto and Dari from Church of the Servant and the Western Oaks Immigration Center, were produced for the Afghan population on topics such as car insurance, banking, hygiene, etc. Short videos and long videos are both available. English translations can be found below the like/dislike line. 

Resources and Information: The new #AfghanEvac site provides links to several different categories of resources for Afghan allies, handlers, and advocacy organizations, including resettlement, legal, advocacy, and US gov’t resources and more. 

Resettlement Services Continue After 90 days: This resource, created by the Administration for Children & Families, can be shared with clients who speak English, Dari, and Pashto. It explains the continuation of services beyond 90 days. 

FAQ for Dear Colleague letter on Eligible Noncitizen Update — Afghan Arrival Education: These resources include the Dear Colleague Letter from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Innovation of the Department of Education and a FAQ sheet that provides information on eligibility for Title IV, federal student aid. 

Responding to Human Trafficking Among Individuals from Afghanistan: This tip sheet provides instructions on how to appropriately respond to human trafficking concerns.

Afghan Clinic, “a health education initiative by and for Afghans” is hosting virtual education events for Afghans to learn about various health issues. Topics of upcoming events include colon cancer and diabetes.  

ACF Office on Trafficking in Persons has released a very useful tip sheet for Afghan entrants

Article: Welcoming Afghans and Ukrainians to the U.S.: In MPI’s U.S. Policy Beat, they examine the 70-year history of parole, which presently is being used to give Ukrainians and Afghans a two-year legal stay and the ability to apply for work authorization—but does not put them on a path to legal permanent residence. 

OAW Circuit Ride Locations: Advises where OAW asylum applicants can expect their asylum interview to be conducted based on where they live.

Can Afghan Newcomers Access Title IV, Federal Student Aid? Answering FAQ’s About New Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education: This blog post from Switchboard breaks down the Dear Colleague letter released by the U.S. Department of Education to financial aid professionals on June 17, 2022, which provides new guidance on the current eligibility requirements for Afghan newcomers. 

Afghan Backgrounder, from the Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE), is now available in both a web format and a more detailed PDF. This resource provides an overview of history of Afghanistan, other details about Afghan culture, along with tips for working with Afghans around key Cultural Orientation topics, including cultural adjustment, role of resettlement agency, and rights and responsibilities. 

The Department of Education, Office of Federal and Student Aid has released an Eligible Noncitizen Update for Afghan Arrivals to assist colleges and universities with enrolling Afghan students in Federal student Aid.

The International Rescue Committee, in partnership with The Independence Fund, launched the Virtual Afghan Placement and Assistance (VAPA) program. This initiative will provide remote Afghan Placement and Assistance program support to Afghan parolees who independently departed safe havens prior to assurance.

The Virtual Afghan Placement and Assistance Program (VAPA): Virtual Support for Afghan Parolees: This blog post from Switchboard explains how refugee service providers can engage the VAPA program to help meet the initial resettlement needs of eligible Afghan clients who could benefit from a remote service option. VAPA assured clients are also referred to supplemental ORR services as applicable and available in their local community. 

Afghan Culture, from Cultural Atlas, is a unified, searchable interface answering questions on the world’s culture and religions. The Afghan section includes information on greetings, family, dates of significance, etiquette, do’s and don’ts and more.

Cultural Humility and Awareness When Working with Afghans, an archived webinar from the Cultural Orientation Resources Exchange (CORE), focused on exploring concepts of identity and intercultural communications. Through a reflection activity, participants explored how understanding their identity and background and those of Afghans can improve Cultural Orientation delivery. Participants also learned strategies on how to navigate challenging intercultural communications.

Supporting Afghan Financial Empowerment Program (SAFE), from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), aims to empower Afghan families in the U.S. to establish financial stability and economic security in their new home. The program offers financial workshops and videos, financial coaching, and auto, education, immigration, and personal loans. The program is open to all, not just IRC clients.

Know Your Rights’ Guides, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), are available in Dari and Pashto to help ensure that Afghans know their rights when dealing with law enforcement, when targeted by hate crimes, when traveling, and in school and the workplace.

Covering U.S. Laws Basics with Afghan Arrivals, an archived webinar from the Cultural Orientation Resources Exchange (CORE), identified and exchanged best practices for sensitively discussing the topics of child protection and parenting, family dynamics and domestic violence, and polygamy.

Supporting Afghan Clients’ Food Needs during Ramadan: This Switchboard blog post suggests ways that refugee service providers can help meet the food needs of Afghan clients who are observing Ramadan while living in temporary housing.

Information for SAVE Users: Afghan Arrival Categories, Documentation, and SAVE Responses

USAHello now offers a guide to Afghan legal status options, available in Dari and Pashto. This page includes the next steps for Afghan SIV applicants at each stage of the process, as well as guidance on pathways to permanent status for those with humanitarian parole, SIVs and refugees. It is written in plain language and offered with translation. This is part of their Afghan Resource Center, an online hub offering newly arrived Afghans useful information to help start life in the USA.  Visitors to the site can access the free FindHello app to connect to 4000+ local resources and service providers across the country.   

“Now, There is Nothing Safe”: A Roadmap for Investing in Afghan Women and Girls: Refugees International traveled to Albania at the end of December 2021 to interview Afghan women leaders who had evacuated with their families as the Taliban seized power in August 2021. These leaders shared information about their lives and work in Afghanistan, their experiences under Taliban rule, and their thoughts on the way forward for Afghan women within the country and those in the diaspora.

Explainer: Options for Evacuated Afghans: Afghan parolees do have some options to stay in the U.S. beyond their initial two-year grant of parole, including applying for re-parole, initiating an asylum claim, continuing an SIV application, and transitioning to Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Collection of resources regarding status and benefits for recent Afghan arrivals that might be useful as a refresher for service providers or background info for new community sponsorship groups:

pdf (cwsglobal.org): Quick background on APA program

Guide to Afghan status & benefits for recent arrivals | USAHello

Benefits for Afghan Humanitarian Parolees (hhs.gov)

Benefits for Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant (SIV) Holders or SQ/SI Parolees (hhs.gov)

Resources – #AfghanEvac: Links to additional governmental, legal and resettlement resources, periodically updated

More Translated Pashto Resources for Afghan Newcomers: You can now access Pashto fact sheets and videos covering essential topics such as education, employment, housing, healthcare, public transportation, and the role of the resettlement agency. The resources are available on the CORE Resettlement Navigator website (soon to be Settle In), along with the complete translations in Dari. All videos can also be accessed on CORE’s YouTube channel.

Settle In has the following videos and Live Streams available in Dari, Pashto and English. No login is required.

Afghan Placement and Assistance Overview

How Do I Work with a Resettlement Agency?

Driving in the United States

How to Leave a Voicemail (Dari and Pashto ONLY)

Expectation of Food Access

How to Use Google Maps

New suite on U.S. laws 

Supporting Afghan Clients’ Food Needs during Ramadan: This Switchboard blog post suggests ways that refugee service providers can help meet the food needs of Afghan clients who are observing Ramadan while living in temporary housing.

New Self-Paced Course and Video Series: Who are the Afghan Newcomers? These materials offer an introduction to cultural awareness for providers supporting Afghan newcomers to the U.S. They review the events that have led to Afghanistan’s current refugee crisis; elaborate on the social and cultural characteristics that distinguish this population from other migrant groups in the United States; describe how to engage with these newcomers in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner; and name misconceptions and expectations newcomers may have.

Upwardly Global is coordinating with Welcome.US to develop webinars and resources for certain types of employment, such as business logistics, engineering and construction. They are also working with the FAA and veteran’s groups to support Afghans who were previously pilots. Find out more at Upwardly Global.

USCIS has posted new guidance at this link under the Information about Employment Authorization section. This guidance provides more information on steps to take to request a correction to an EAD and actions to take if there is a problem with an EAD, including reporting non-delivery or non-receipt of a mailed EAD

There is no fee to request a corrected EAD, and no need to file a new Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, in this particular circumstance. You can find additional guidance, including a unique mailing address and attention line, and examples of primary, secondary and alternatives to supporting documentation, on USCIS’ Information for Afghans page under the “Information about Employment Authorization” section. You can learn how to track the delivery of your EAD on USCIS’ How to Track Delivery of Your Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and Travel Document page.

Afghan nationals may report the non-receipt of their EADs by using USCIS’ Non-Delivery of Card page. In certain situations, USCIS may request the individual submit a new Form I-765. There is no fee to request a replacement EAD, in this circumstance.

Being Culturally and Trauma-Informed While Assisting Displaced Afghan Families, a tip sheet from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), offers providers guidance on being culturally- and trauma-informed while assisting displaced Afghan families. This tip sheet can be used as an additional resource to the Psychological First Aid for Displaced Children and Families intervention guide.

Service Provider Roundtable: Supporting Afghan Women. This webinar discussed the ways service providers can better support Afghan women, girls and gender-diverse people.

Wrapsnet has been updating their information for the general public on benefits and services for parolees. They also have fact sheets in Dari and Pashto that you can use for arrivals. You can learn more here.

The ORR Website has been updated with an Afghan Assistance Resources page. It will probably continue to be updated as things are created, so please be sure to bookmark, check back frequently and of course share widely!

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