Afghan Immigrants Seek Clarity: Legal Experts Address Rights, Reunification, and Immigration Status…

Afghan Immigrants Seek Clarity: Legal Experts Address Rights, Reunification, and Immigration Status Concerns

On Sunday, April 13, the Philly-Afghan Info Hub hosted an event titled “Empowering Afghan Immigrants: Navigating Rights, Policies & Reunification,” featuring guest speaker Mana Aliabadi, an associate attorney at Palladino, Isbell & Casazza (PIC Law). Born in Tehran and raised in Pittsburgh, Mana’s personal connection to migration fueled her dedication to immigrant rights. Prior to joining PIC Law, she served as an Immigrant Justice Corps Fellow at the Nationalities Service Center, where she primarily worked with Afghan asylum-seekers and evacuees resettled in Philadelphia .

This gathering offered attendees the rare opportunity to ask their questions and share their personal concerns directly with an immigration attorney. To foster a safe and supportive environment, no photos, recordings, or videos were taken during the event. This decision was made to ensure that all participants felt comfortable discussing any topics without concern for their privacy. For those who couldn’t attend in person, questions were submitted in advance and addressed during the session. We’re now sharing the key takeaways here, in case your own question was asked and answered — keep reading to find out.

Highlights from the Event

1. Travel Risks for Asylum Seekers & Parolees
One of the most pressing questions concerned international travel. The attorney warned against leaving the U.S. if you’re on parole or have a pending asylum case, especially returning to your home country. Doing so may signal to U.S. authorities that you no longer fear persecution, potentially invalidating your asylum claim. Even with “Advance Parole,” travel is not advised. Renewing an Afghan passport abroad can also be seen as accepting protection from your home country, weakening your case.

2. Avoiding Scams and Fake Legal Advisors
The community learned how to identify and avoid immigration fraud. Notaries (“Notarios”) are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice — even if they offer to fill out forms. Warning signs include guarantees of success or suspiciously low fees. Trusted resources like the Nationalities Service Center (NSC) and HIAS offer free or low-cost legal help funded by grants — not scams.

3. U.S. vs. Canadian Asylum
When asked if asylum is easier in Canada, the attorney emphasized unfamiliarity with the Canadian system but explained that in the U.S., court cases often take years, while USCIS cases — especially those for Afghan evacuees — were previously fast-tracked. However, it’s unclear if those expedited timelines still apply.

4. Family Reunification Options
One woman, recently arrived under Humanitarian Parole, asked if she could bring her husband from Afghanistan. The attorney advised applying for asylum immediately and listing her husband and children on the form. Once granted asylum, she could file an I-730 petition to bring them to the U.S.

5. Green Card Process & Deportation Fears
Another attendee, whose parents came through family reunification, asked if they were at risk of deportation while waiting for green cards. The response: No confirmed closures of green card cases have been reported. But it’s wise to avoid travel and always carry legal documents. Immigration statuses can be checked via the USCIS website.

6. Worrying Government Letters to Parolees
Many in the audience were alarmed by letters reportedly sent to parolees, telling them to leave the country. The attorney confirmed the letters were real but explained they appeared to be mass notices sent without verifying individuals’ asylum applications. Those who have filed for asylum are protected and cannot be deported without a court decision.

7. Who Do These Letters Affect?
Whether someone received their parole before or upon entering the U.S., the letters apply to all. The key takeaway: parole is temporary, and everyone on it must apply for a more permanent status. Again, talking to an immigration attorney is crucial.

8. Access to Pro-Bono Legal Help
With legal fees often out of reach, the attorney listed resources for free legal aid in Philadelphia, including NSC and other grant-funded organizations. These services are trustworthy and critical for low-income immigrants navigating complex processes.

9. Concerns from Refugee Families
A young attendee expressed fear on behalf of his refugee parents. Although they had applied for green cards, online rumors made them anxious. The lawyer reassured him: refugee status is stable unless a crime is committed. Applying for a green card is the right step.

10. Status Advice for Parole Holders
Another question came from someone who had been in the U.S. on parole for nearly a year. The attorney asked if they had filed for asylum. If so, they should wait for their interview and prepare with a lawyer. Work permits under asylum are more durable, lasting five years versus the shorter ones issued under parole.

11. Green Card Delays Due to Lack of Sponsor
One person shared that their green card process had stalled due to a lack of a financial sponsor. The attorney explained that while some cases require a sponsor, others don’t. A joint sponsor — multiple people combining financial support — might be a solution.

Community Resources Now Available
Following the event, Philly-Afghan Info Hub shared two helpful series online:

• Series 1: Know Your Rights — Practical tools for dealing with immigration enforcement.
• Series 2: Q&A from the Event — A written guide to real questions from community members.

Both are available on the Philly Afghan Info Hub Instagram page, helping many more Afghans find clarity and comfort in the journey ahead.