Afghanistan Immigration Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Afghan Immigrants With Visas, Deportation, and More in San Francisco

Immigrants from Afghanistan may face a difficult and uncertain journey when resettling in the United States. Many Afghan immigrants have fled violent conflict, political upheaval, or persecution by groups such as the Taliban. Others may have been separated from their family members, and they may seek to reunite with them through family-based immigration. As immigrants determine how to proceed with their cases, an experienced immigration attorney can provide guidance on the options that are available and the best steps they can take to achieve their goals.

At Hafey & Karim, we serve clients throughout the San Francisco area, and we work with immigrants from Afghanistan to help them address complex immigration matters. With our understanding of immigration law and our respect for the cultural and religious values of Muslims and other immigrants, we can help ensure that our clients will be able to resolve their legal concerns as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Deportation Defense and Asylum for Afghan Immigrants

Many Afghan immigrants who are currently in the United States may fear that returning to Afghanistan would put their lives at risk. In these situations, applying for asylum may provide safety by protecting against deportation. U.S. laws allow people who have experienced persecution or fear that they will be persecuted based on specific grounds to remain in the country, while also providing authorization to work and the ability to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.

When Asylum May Be the Best Option

An Afghan immigrant may qualify for asylum if they can demonstrate that persecution has affected them in the past or if they can provide evidence that they will most likely be persecuted upon their return to Afghanistan. Specific types of persecution may qualify for asylum, including persecution based on nationality or ethnicity or political opinions such as support for the United States. Those who were persecuted for religious beliefs, such as certain Muslim sects or Christianity, or members of social groups, such as women or people in the LGBTQ+ community, may also be granted asylum.

The attorneys at Hafey & Karim work with affirmative asylum applicants who are in the United States and wish to apply for protections through USCIS. We also provide representation for defensive asylum applicants who raise asylum as a defense in immigration court during removal proceedings.

Other Forms of Relief from Deportation

For Afghan immigrants who may not qualify for asylum, other forms of protection may be available. A person who has lived in the U.S. for several years may request Cancellation of Removal, which may be granted if they can show that their deportation would cause hardship for a family member. Adjustment of status may also be possible if a person is eligible for a Green Card and a visa is available. Our attorneys can help Afghan clients understand their rights, assess the potential options for relief, and build strong cases for why they should be able to remain in the United States.

Sponsoring Family Members From Afghanistan for Immigration

Reuniting with loved ones is a top priority for many Afghan immigrants, especially in the wake of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021 and the Taliban's return to power. Citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States can sponsor family members for immigration, but the process is often complicated. It involves the following steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, and parents for immediate relative visas. Other family members of citizens or immediate family members of lawful permanent residents may be eligible for family preference visas.
2. File Form I-130: This petition must include proof of the family relationship. Supporting documents demonstrating that a family member is eligible for a certain type of visa will need to be included. These documents may include marriage certificates or birth certificates..
3. Wait for Visa Availability: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens will usually be able to receive visas quickly, but family preference visas will require longer wait times.
4. Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status: Most family members abroad will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Our attorneys can help ensure that the proper documents are submitted, and we can work with family members to prepare for interviews or address other concerns. For family members who are already in the United States, we can help apply to adjust status so that they can receive Green Cards.

Culturally Sensitive Legal Representation

Afghan immigrants come from a diverse and rich cultural background. The team at Hafey & Karim provides representation that respects their cultural and religious traditions while ensuring that their legal needs are met. We can provide translation services or work with interpreters to maintain clear communication. We will maintain confidentiality and discretion, particularly in cases involving persecution or domestic violence. Whether working with recent arrivals or Afghan residents who have lived in the U.S. for years, we will make an effort to address the personal and cultural needs of each client.

Contact Our San Francisco, CA Immigration Attorneys for Afghan Clients

Whether you are seeking asylum, defending against deportation, sponsoring a family member for immigration, or applying for lawful permanent residency, the attorneys at Hafey & Karim are here to support you. Contact our San Francisco immigration lawyers by calling 214-506-0671 and setting up a consultation.