For Afghan evacuees arriving in the United States, the journey toward permanent residency and stability is fraught with legal complexities and bureaucratic hurdles. While various immigration pathways exist—including humanitarian parole, Special Immigrant Visas (SIV), asylum, refugee status, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—navigating these options requires careful planning and often legal assistance.
Multiple Pathways, Complex Choices
Afghan nationals can pursue multiple immigration statuses simultaneously without delaying processing times. For instance, submitting asylum or TPS applications alongside SIV petitions is permitted. Immigration experts strongly recommend applying for permanent status as early as possible, as delays could jeopardize future opportunities.
"Seeking counsel from an immigration attorney or accredited representative is crucial," says legal advocate Sarah Chen of the Refugee Assistance Project. "Many organizations offer free or low-cost services specifically for Afghan evacuees."
The Temporary Nature of Humanitarian Parole
Those admitted under humanitarian parole—a temporary status granted for urgent humanitarian reasons—face particular challenges. This status lasts only two years and doesn't provide a direct path to a green card. Parolees must apply for alternative statuses to remain in the country legally beyond this period.
Key considerations for parolees include:
- Applying for re-parole to extend protection while pursuing other statuses
- Exploring asylum claims or family-based petitions
- Maintaining eligibility for benefits during pending applications
Operation Allies Welcome: Extended Benefits
Evacuees processed through Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) may qualify for re-parole, which grants an additional two years of legal presence and work authorization. Each case is evaluated individually, but approved applicants retain access to Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) services.
Notably, those with pending SIV applications don't need to separately apply for re-parole. Refugees arriving through traditional channels can apply for green cards within one year of entry.
Support Systems for New Arrivals
Eligible Afghans—including refugees, asylees, SIV holders, and parolees—can access numerous services to ease their transition:
- Employment assistance (resume preparation, job training)
- English language instruction
- Subsidized childcare for working parents
- Housing assistance for low-income individuals
To qualify for most benefits, individuals must have been paroled into the U.S. between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2023. Community organizations nationwide stand ready to help evacuees navigate these complex systems as they rebuild their lives in America.