We have put together a working list of information and resources that we have obtained from other organizations, including AILA, CAIR, IRAP, and more. You can go directly to the listed organizations and websites for information. This is not a complete list and there may be other resources.
Immigration Information
If you have a family member or friend who is in danger in Afghanistan, you reach out to your local member of Congress. You can find your representative here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
US citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), individuals in possession of an Immigrant Visa (IV), or certain individuals who have a pending immigration petition:
- Individuals under this category, seeking assistance to depart Afghanistan, may register to receive assistance from the U.S. Embassy here: Repatriation Assistance Request The form should be completed for each traveler in their group. The form should only be completed once for each traveler and should be completed as soon as possible.
- The purpose of the form is to gather names of those who need immigrant visa appointments and those who wish to utilize any repatriation options, including assistance with repatriation flights. The State Department advises not to cancel booked commercial flights as they cannot guarantee charter flights will be available.
- Those with pending applications may consider applying for humanitarian parole which may be faster than waiting for the embassy to issue a visa.
For Afghans that have been employed on behalf of the U.S. government, U.S.-based NGOs, and U.S.-based media organizations:
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)
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This is a type of visa for Afghans that have been employed for a minimum of one year, between October 7, 2001, and December 31, 2023, by the U.S. government. Applicants must also have experienced or be experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of their employment.
- Afghan nationals who are eligible for the SIV program who have not yet done so, are encouraged to submit one complete application package to the National Visa Center [email protected] to facilitate processing in an expeditious manner.
- Individuals with approved SIV applications should contact [email protected] and a congressional office to seek evacuation assistance.
- For more information on SIV applications visit the State Department and International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) websites.
- IRAP has a series of guides about this process available here: iraplegalinfo.org/hc/en-us/sections/360008472712
- No One Left guide: https://nooneleft.org/how-to-get-a-visa/
- The Afghan P-2 Program
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This program allows Afghan nationals to be considered for refugee resettlement based on work for U.S. government agencies, U.S.-based NGOs, and U.S.-based media organizations. The P-2 program does not accept applicant self-referrals. Referrals must be made by the senior-most U.S. citizen employee of the media organization’s or NGO’s headquarters in the United States.
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For more information on the P-2 program please visit IRAP and State Department websites.
- If you require information about air evacuations, especially if you have worked for a foreign government in Afghanistan, please contact the following emergency hotlines:
- French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Hotline: +33 1 53 59 11 10
- *German Federal Foreign Office Emergency Hotline: [email protected]+49 (0) 30-1817-1000+49 (0) 30-5000-1000(Further information)*
- *US State Department Emergency Hotline: [email protected] +1-202-501-4444*
- *Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: [email protected]
- *UK Ministry of Defence: [email protected]+93 (0)792 907 303 (Further information)*
- *Netherlands Embassy in Kabul: [email protected]+31 24 724 7247*
For Afghans that have US citizen, lawful permanent residence, or refugee relatives in the US:
- If you have an Afghan spouse, parent, sibling, or child and you are a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee you may be able to file a petition for an immigrant visa for your relative.
- This process can take several months or years, if your relatives are in immediate danger, you may consider requesting Humanitarian Parole.
For Afghans who fear persecution from the Taliban or any group in Afghanistan:
- If you suffered or fear serious harm by the Taliban or any group that the government is unable to protect you from based on your race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or particular social group, you should seek safety at the nearest refugee camp and register with a designated Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or the United Nations (UN) as a refugee.
- If you are in the U.S., you may apply for asylum
- If you can make it to a port of entry at a U.S. border, you can apply for asylum.
- Please contact any of the following organizations:
- IRAP – Legal Resources for Afghans* (for US asylum)*
- Refugee Legal Aid Information* (a directory of organizations that support refugees in each country)*
For Afghans seeking entry to the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons:
- Humanitarian Parole can be requested by someone outside of the United States who is seeking temporary entrance to the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons.
- To be eligible, you must establish:
- 1) that you will go back to Afghanistan when it is safe, or
- 2) how you plan to regularize status in the US. This could refer to information about a pending or soon-to-be-filed petition by your qualifying family member on your behalf, intentions to apply for asylum, etc.
- IRAP has a guide explaining the basics of this process available here: iraplegalinfo.org/hc/en-us/articles/360057037651
- If you are in Afghanistan and require immediate humanitarian assistance, you can contact the following organizations:
- Afghanistan Migrants Advice and Support Org (AMASO)
- Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Afghanistan*: *[email protected]* +93 72 893 2045 +93 70 022 8509*
- Afghan Red Crescent Society:+93 72 890 0103
- Awaaz Afghanistan* (a directory for assistance in Afghanistan)*
Third Countries for Humanitarian Parole
- If you can reach a third country, an application for Humanitarian Parole can be made at the U.S. Embassy. Afghan citizens are eligible for e-visas to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and they may enter the following countries without a visa:
- Antigua and Barbuda (e-Visa)
- Benin (e-Visa)
- Cape Verde (Visa on arrival – 3 months)
- Comoros (Visa on arrival – 45 days)
- Dominica (Visa-free entry – 21 days)
- Ethiopia (e-Visa – 90 days)
- Maldives (Visa on arrival – 30 days)
- Qatar (e-Visa)
- More information on the Humanitarian Parole process can be found here: USCIS and IRAP.
- If you require information about entering neighbouring countries, please contact the following embassies:
- Embassy of Iran in Kabul*: [email protected] (+93) 20 210 1391 – 97*
- Consulate of Iran in Herat*: [email protected] (+93) 40-220 013 (+93) 40–225 821/0*
- Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kabul: (+93) 20-250-04-31
- Consulate of Uzbekistan in Mazar-i-Sharif: (+93) 50-200-27-13
- *Indian Ministry of External Affairs Emergency Hotline: [email protected] +91 971 778 5379*
- Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul:(+92) 322 280 7863 (Press counsellor for journalists and media staff seeking safety)
Social Media guidance: It is recommended that anyone trying to travel around Afghanistan wipe their phones so that they have no social media or other files that would provoke the Taliban. Travelers should travel light, with just what they need for kids (food) and medicines. Lines are extremely long at airports.
PRO BONO OR LOW BONO IMMIGRATION SERVICE LEGAL PROVIDERS
- https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory
- https://www.refugeelegalaidinformation.org/afghanistan-pro-bono-directory
- IRAP – Legal Resources for Afghans* (for US asylum)*
ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING RESOURCES, ASSISTANCE, AND GUIDANCE
CAIR – Council on American Islamic Relations
- Search by state chapter for resources
Reliefweb
- Has a list of resources for people at risk in Afghanistan
International Refugee Assistance Projects (IRAP)
- Provides resources for assisting individuals in Afghanistan, including SIV and P-2 guides, as well as a guide for media and NGO employers in Afghanistan
PARS Equality Center
- May be able to provide legal assistance for individuals in Afghanistan.
- Pars Equality Center Afghan Support Intake Form: https://parsequalitycenter.org/what-we-do/legal-services/afghan-support
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services
- Find ways to volunteer, donate, and send a message to President Biden and Congress.
No One Left
- The only nation-wide association of wartime allies in the US dedicated to ensuring that America keeps its promise to our interpreters from Iraq and Afghanistan.
DONATION AND OTHER ASSISTANCE INFORMATION
Islamic Relief USA
- Islamic Relief USA has made an initial commitment of $1 million to help Afghan families suffering under the current crisis. Our staff on the ground has identified Kabul, Balkh, Herat and Nangarhar provinces as areas for immediate support, and are working to distribute the following items:
- Food aid to those suffering from hunger
- Water storage units and hygiene kits to displaced families
- Essential non-food items, like cooking pots, utensils, pots, soaps and detergents, solar-powered lamps, towels, and more
- Family-sized emergency tents and the necessary tools for pitching
Nationwide Services Center
- Donate food, clothing, furniture, put together welcome kits, and more.
Miles4Migrants
- Miles4Migrants uses donated frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and cash to help people impacted by war, persecution, or disaster reunite with loved ones and start new beginnings in safe homes.
