Afghan allies who came to the U.S. through the humanitarian parole option over the last two years can reapply for the program in June 2023, per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The process for Afghan evacuees to reapply is under development through Operation Allies Welcome, now referred to as Enduring Welcome. Online or paper-based filing options will be available for the reapplication process. Work authorization and deportation protection are included at this point, per DHS.

Many Afghan evacuees are coming close to the end of their parole protections, some as soon as summer 2023. While this provides relief to their current status, this is an additional temporary approach. The Afghan Adjustment Act, introduced in Congress in August of 2022, has not yet been passed. The Act provides a path to citizenship by expanding the eligibility for special immigrant visas to qualifying Afghans who came to the U.S. following the fall of Afghanistan.

DHS stated the Biden administration is focused on providing protection to these Afghan allies and calls on Congress to address the issue. The administration continues to use parole authority to provide legal migration while awaiting updates to immigration reform. A comprehensive reform from Congress is needed to address ongoing legal migration issues. While parole provides a temporary solution, it is limited to a two-year, case-by-case basis. DHS recommends Afghan nationals consider and pursue other legal migration status options to achieve a more permanent solution.

If you have questions about options for your legal migration status or any immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. Our team of experienced attorneys works with each client to ensure they get the right advice for their particular situations.

Afghan Adjustment Act Afghan Parole