This month, we provide a heartwarming reflection of a client's successful journey to U.S citizenship - showcasing why we care so much about the great work we do. Additionally, you can get updates on passport & visa processing times and ICE directives related to detaining parents or legal guardians. Finally, you can read about Spojmie's recent advocacy work and a new program available for Afghan immigrants.
Immigration attorney Spojmie Nasiri took some time to reflect on the story of one of her clients, who she successfully helped coach through the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Read the heartwarming reflection below, which showcases exactly why our firm works so hard for our clients:
One of my female Afghan clients truly touched my heart today. The remarkable resilience of my Afghan sisters in the face of numerous challenges and hardships, including years of war, political instability, social and cultural barriers, and violence never ceases to amaze me.
As an immigration lawyer, there are few things more rewarding than seeing a client achieve their dream of becoming a U.S. citizen; when that client is someone who was once shy and received no formal education, the feeling is even more profound. I have had the privilege of helping many clients achieve their dream of becoming U.S. citizens. Seeing the joy on their faces when they pass the citizenship test is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I have seen clients break down in tears, hug their family members, and even do a little dance of joy. Each client is unique and has their own set of challenges and obstacles to overcome, but this client stood out to me today as truly special.
This client came to me six months ago with a dream of becoming a U.S. citizen but was facing a difficult road ahead. English was not her first language, and she had failed the naturalization test in the past. She had no formal education and struggled with English, which made navigating the immigration system all the more difficult for her. She was also very shy and hesitant to ask questions or seek help.
To read the full client story and reflection, click the "Read More" button below.
During the pandemic, there was very little international travel taking place. As a result, the U.S. State Department saw a reduced number of requests for passports and visas. However, the demand for passports and travel visas has significantly increased, recently reaching unprecedented levels.
Currently, it takes approximately 10-13 weeks for the State Department to process a passport application - for a new passport or a passport renewal. With the major travel season coming just around the corner, the State Department anticipates that processing speeds will slow down even further.
The State Department has taken significant measures to increase processing times, such as hiring more staff and opening satellite offices. However, if you are planning on traveling abroad this summer or fall, make sure that you submit your passport applications as soon as possible. Even expedited requests, which cost an additional fee, can take almost 3 months to receive.
For those seeking to travel to the United States, the current wait time for visitor visa interview appointments is approximately 2 months. So, whether you are planning to have people visit you in the United States this summer or you plan on travelling abroad, be sure to complete your required paperwork as early as possible, to avoid getting caught up in processing delays.
Earlier this year, a Muslim teenager wielding a knife was shot twice by police in the city of Tracy, California. Bodycam footage of the shooting was released last month, showing the police immediately using lethal force on the 17-year-old boy, who recently immigrated from Afghanistan.
As the teenager was recovering in the hospital, legal advocates from the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) organized a press conference on the steps of Tracy Hall. Immigration attorney and legal rights advocate Spojmie Nasiri, who is a national board member for CAIR and AACO, urged the Tracy Police Department to adopt policies of non-lethal force and to hold a community town hall for improving cultural awareness.
Spojmie is a relentless advocate for the rights of immigrants and minority communities in the United States. Our office is committed to promoting cultural awareness and equal access to justice for all.
In response to the failed and highly immoral Trump administration's family separation policy, the Biden administration released a policy directive in 2022 that instructs ICE officers on how to handle situations involving parents or legal guardians. During the course of their enforcement efforts, ICE encounters people who are parents of minor children or legal guardians of a child or incapacitated adult.
This new policy directive makes it the responsibility of ICE not to abuse the "fundamental interests" of parents, legal guardians, and those for whom they are legally responsible.
Under the new policy directive, there are certain situations where ICE should not send a parent or legal guardian to detention. If ICE decides to detain a subject, they must follow instructions regarding the care of the dependent child or incapacitated adult.
To read more about these new protections, click the "Read More" button below.
Human Rights First is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The organization recently launched a new program, called Project Afghan Legal Assistance, or PALA. The program seeks to help Afghan immigrants in securing pro bono legal assistance. In collaboration with other pro bono legal service providers, PALA helps connect individuals who do not currently have an immigration attorney and who cannot afford to hire an attorney.
You may be eligible for services if you:
PALA is unable to provide legal assistance to Afghan individuals who are physically in Afghanistan or other countries outside the U.S. But if you or a loved one is seeking pro bono legal services for an immigration issue related to Afghanistan, PALA may be able to assist.
