The aftermath of the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan triggered a mass evacuation of Afghan refugees seeking to flee from Taliban rule. Amid the confusion, panic, and urgency, it was imperative for immigration law practitioners to band together, so they could provide answers, resources, guidance, and help to those most vulnerable.

In response, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) formed the AILA Afghan Response Task Force, a purely pro bono effort for assisting Afghans to evacuate safely and resettle in other countries. Pleasanton immigration attorney Spojmie Nasiri was a key member of the task force. The group created an evacuation listserv for posting updates about evacuations, spent countless hours and days answering questions and meeting with families, and also advocated for reforms to Congress. Spojmie and her task force organized members to help file humanitarian parole applications and assist with the resettlement of over 70,000 Afghans who evacuated to the United States.

As a result of the incredible work done by Spojmie and her team members, AILA recently announced that the Afghan Response Task Force is the recipient of the 2022 Michael Maggio Memorial Pro Bono Award, which recognizes outstanding efforts in providing pro bono representation in the immigration field. The group was recognized at the AILA Annual Conference in New York City this past June.

You can read more about Spojmie's recognition as part of the task force.

Spojmie was also recognized with the AILA President's Commendation award, for exemplary service to the president of the AILA organization.