Afghanistan Asylum

Without A Country

In 2021, the world watched in horror as the Taliban invaded Kabul in Afghanistan, causing Afghans to desperately flood the airport to escape the new regime. Our hearts broke for the fallen country and for those who were forced to leave due to danger from the Taliban.

More than 76,000 Afghans have been admitted to the United States as a part of a “Humanitarian Parole Program” which is only a temporary solution and does not provide a permanent residency pathway for Afghans.

In order to remain here, Afghans must apply for asylum within one-year of entering the United States.

Without a timely filed and legally solid asylum application, Afghans would lose access to employment, health care and their legal right to reside in the U.S. They may be at risk to be deported, when they have no country to return to.

Afghans with temporary status also have no ability to petition for family members who still remain in Afghanistan.

A private immigration attorney charges about $10,000 for asylum application preparation and representation at the interview.

At CIAC, we want to share the Gospel with all of our clients and their families by showing them the love of Jesus, and providing high-quality, affordable and compassionate legal aid.

Our new asylum program will address an immediate need to help Afghan families who have resettled in the Pittsburgh area and beyond to file for asylum before their one-year deadline expires and their pathway to residency becomes unknown. Approved asylum would provide stability and permanency.

You Can Help

There are more Afghans that need help than we are currently able to handle and we are working to hire additional staff the meet the need.

All of this comes at a cost:

  • One full-time legal advocate – 30-40 hours per week at $40 per hour = $77,000
  • Professional liability insurance – $3,700
  • Software cost (Prima Facie, email) – $6,000 per year
  • Postage – $2,000
  • Translation/Interpretation – $4,000 per year
  • Travel expense for interview representation – $8,000
  • Total = $100,000

We are dependent on the generous support of others to sustain our low cost legal practice. Your giving is changing lives in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Thank you!