How Can I Get My Family Out Of Afghanistan?

The U. S. government is committed to helping U. S. citizens and Afghans in the United States reunite with their family members who remain in Afghanistan. This page describes different immigration options for reuniting with your family. If you or someone you know is a U. S. citizen* in Afghanistan that wants to leave the country, please visit the Afghan Family Reunification webpage. If you or your immediate family need assistance evacuating or immigrating from Afghanistan, please complete the US embassy in Kabul’s Repatriation Assistance Form (linked).

The U. S., NATO, and other allies should urgently reach a common position on the evacuation of at-risk Afghans. The most important steps for them to take include no flight out of Kabul, no flight out of Kabul, and reaching out to your representatives and urging immediate action to help. A veteran helmed a daring plan to help Afghans escape the Taliban after the U. S. withdrawal.

Previously, over 122, 000 individuals were evacuated from Afghanistan, and since then, the U. S. government has facilitated the departure of 479 American citizens (and women and children). Senator Padilla’s top priority is the safe evacuation of Americans, our Afghan allies, and the most vulnerable populations, including women and children. Congressman Jason Crow’s office is dedicated to helping people who are currently at risk in Afghanistan.

Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe. The U. S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in Afghanistan on August 31, 2021. U. S. citizens in Afghanistan who are eligible for the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) can contact their office for assistance. If you are an American citizen, an SIV applicant, or a P-2 holder or applicant trying to leave Afghanistan or have a loved one who is, please contact your office.

The ARAP scheme is a separate scheme to the ACRS and offers Afghan nationals who have worked for or alongside the UK government and meet the ARAP criteria. Your gift will provide urgently-needed assistance to Afghan refugees and their families as they rebuild their lives in the United States.

How Do I Get My Family Out Of Afghanistan?

If you are an American citizen, SIV applicant, or a P-2 holder/applicant seeking to leave Afghanistan or help a loved one do so, please call (973) 526-5668 or fill out the appropriate form provided. The new landing page on the State Department's website offers centralized access for Afghans to find necessary forms and instructions to bring family members—spouses, children, and in some cases siblings—from Afghanistan to the U. S. U. S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) should not travel to Afghanistan to assist family members in relocation.

The landing page outlines the immigration options available for reuniting families. U. S. citizens and LPRs in Afghanistan should complete the US Embassy in Kabul's Repatriation Assistance Form. Additionally, to assist Afghan relatives, U. S. Citizens may need to file Form I-130 for an SIV applicant’s spouse and children remaining in Afghanistan. For emergency repatriation assistance, it's advised to use the link provided or call 1-888-407-4747.

Following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, many Afghans in the U. S. seek to evacuate their families, with various resources available for support, including information on family-based immigrant petitions. Those who have evacuated may consult UNHCR or local refugee agencies for further assistance.

Which U.S. City Has The Most Afghans?

Fremont, California, boasts the largest population of Afghan Americans, followed by Northern Virginia and Queens in New York City. The largest Afghan communities in the U. S. are primarily located in metropolitan areas such as greater Washington DC, Sacramento, San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. The total Afghan population in the United States is approximately 150, 943, with California hosting around 66, 000 individuals of Afghan ancestry, making it a significant hub for these communities.

Among specific cities, Arden Arcade holds the largest Afghan community with 5, 471 residents, while Houston received the most recent evacuee arrivals at 5, 117, followed by San Diego with 2, 350. California remains the leader in Afghan resettlement, accommodating over 31, 000 wartime arrivals, roughly a third of all Afghan resettlements in the country. Additionally, notable Afghan immigrant populations exist in Fairfax County, VA (6, 863), Prince William County, VA (3, 919), and Alexandria City, VA (1, 832).

As of the latest reports, the U. S. has welcomed more than 74, 000 Afghan evacuees, with forecasts suggesting continued influxes, particularly to California and Texas. Overall, the Afghan American community continues to grow, establishing vibrant enclaves throughout the United States.

How Long Can A US Citizen Stay In Afghanistan?

The Afghanistan tourist visa is generally valid for 90 days, permitting a 30-day stay, and is typically issued as a single-entry visa. However, this visa cannot be renewed while in Afghanistan. American citizens must secure a visa before traveling, and the tourist visa is specifically designed for short-term stays. U. S. travelers are advised against visiting Afghanistan due to risks including terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The U. S. Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and UNICEF recommends reviewing the Travel Advisory before planning any trips.

Various immigrant visas exist for spouses and family members of U. S. citizens, including IR1, CR1, IR2, and K-1 visas. While U. S. citizens can technically remain outside the U. S. indefinitely without losing their citizenship, it's important to consider the implications of prolonged stays abroad, especially in Afghanistan. The Afghan Missions abroad issue transit visas, and only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants official visas, which are typically valid for up to six months.

Visa fees for a single-entry tourist visa are around $160. It's essential to check the eligibility for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals, which does not lead to permanent immigration status.

How Do I Contact Afghan EVAC?

For emergencies in the U. S. or Canada, call 1-888-407-4747; overseas, use +1-202-501-4444 or email KabulACS@state. gov. The U. S. Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) communicates through CARETravelData@state. gov. For those contacted about CARE assistance, the hotline is +1 833-839-0375. An array of resources is available to help Afghan allies navigate U. S. Government vetting and visa processes, gain resettlement assistance, connect with advocacy groups, and obtain legal aid.

Organizations that provide resources for Afghan allies can submit information to contact@afghanevac. org. AfghanEvac has compiled an FAQ document from consultations with U. S. officials, which may change over time. Over 3, 000 evacuation requests are being managed by the team, prioritizing cases and creating solutions. Evacuees needing assistance should complete the specific form available, and further queries can be directed to Alex Gelbert at Alex@EVACoperation.

org. For Afghan evacuees, using WhatsApp for immediate contact is recommended. The Evacuate Our Allies Coalition collaborates with human rights, refugee organizations, and veterans to support Afghan evacuation and resettlement efforts. For additional resources and contact options, visit AfghanEvac’s official channels.

How Much Is A Visa From Afghanistan To The USA?

On the day of your U. S. visa interview, nonrefundable application fees apply: $160 for B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourism) visas, $190 for H, L, O, P, Q, and R visas, and $270 for E visas. Afghan citizens must pay the $160 fee to visit the U. S., in addition to any applicable reciprocity or visa issuance fees. A U. S. tourist visa generally allows a 6-month stay. It is essential for Afghan nationals to secure a visa before traveling, even though Afghanistan is not on the list of U.

S. visa-required countries. The processing time for a visa can vary. Afghan citizens previously employed by or on behalf of the U. S. government may qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), with specific eligibility requirements detailed by USCIS. Those applying for a visa to Afghanistan must also obtain a visa, which is typically valid for a 30-day stay. American citizens traveling to Afghanistan must secure visas as well. For specific categories like B2 (tourist) visas, the current fee is $185, which is strictly non-refundable.

Various exemptions and expedited processing opportunities for certain Afghan nationals are available until September 30, 2024. Overall, understanding the involved fees and requirements for both visiting the U. S. and applying for a visa from Afghanistan is crucial for prospective travelers.

Can I Sponsor A Family From Afghanistan?

You can sponsor Afghans with cases in the U. S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) or the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, applicable to those living anywhere, including Afghanistan. Lawful permanent residents through an Afghan SIV can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children under 21 ("derivative family members") for immigration to the U. S. The State Department has launched a family reunification website and encourages applicants to express preferences for being matched with Afghan nationals and/or Dari speakers.

Americans can privately sponsor Afghan refugee families in 2022, but should not travel to Afghanistan to accompany their family members. Sponsorship allows groups to form circles to support resettling families by covering critical expenses during their first six months. The U. S. government is dedicated to reuniting citizens and Afghan allies in the U. S. with family in Afghanistan. Community sponsors must be established organizations. The program aims to aid families with housing, legal assistance, and other essential services, enhancing the support network for newly arriving Afghan families.

Which US City Has The Most Afghans?

Fremont, California, boasts the largest population of Afghan Americans, followed by Northern Virginia and Queens in New York City. California is the leading state for Afghan resettlements, housing over 31, 000 war-time arrivals, which constitutes about a third of the total Afghan resettlements in the U. S., more than double that of Texas. Among U. S. cities, Houston saw the highest number of evacuees at 5, 117, succeeded by San Diego with 2, 350 arrivals.

The Bay Area in California, specifically, is home to approximately 60, 000 Afghan immigrants, mainly concentrated in Hayward and Fremont. As of recent data, California is expected to welcome more than 5, 200 Afghan evacuees, with Texas following at 4, 481 and Oklahoma projected to host 1, 800. Historically, significant Afghan populations have also settled in Maryland and Virginia, which continue to receive new arrivals.

During the 2018-22 period, immigrants from Afghanistan predominantly settled in California (39%), Virginia (14%), Texas (10%), and New York (6%). The larger Afghan community in the U. S. is noted for its considerable presence in Fairfax County, VA, and Alameda County, CA, contributing to a diverse tapestry of Afghan culture across the nation.

How Can Afghans Come To The USA?

To obtain a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as an Afghan who was employed by or on behalf of the U. S. government, one must first seek special immigrant classification by filing Form I-360, regardless of residing inside or outside the U. S. Afghans have primarily gained entry through refugee status or special immigrant visas. The Department of State continues processing referrals for Afghans eligible for the U. S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and identifies additional candidates.

The U. S. government is dedicated to assisting Afghans who served alongside American diplomats and soldiers and is focused on family reunification for those in the U. S. with family members still in Afghanistan.

For Afghans paroled into the U. S., it is mandatory to notify USCIS of any address changes within 10 days. There are various immigration pathways available, such as asylum and refugee resettlement, which provide alternative options for those seeking safety in the U. S. After the U. S.-backed government collapsed in August 2021, over 122, 000 individuals were evacuated, many of whom face diverse legal statuses and needs upon arrival in the U. S. Additionally, there are resources available to support incoming Afghan refugees through donations and volunteer efforts, helping them settle and integrate into communities across the country.

Does Afghanistan Allow People To Leave?

Afghans are permitted to travel abroad and can exit Afghanistan at any time through various border crossings, including the recently secured Kabul airport. The United Nations has warned that up to half a million Afghans might flee the country by year-end, urging neighboring nations to keep their borders open. However, the Taliban has stated that they will no longer facilitate Afghan evacuations and emphasized that the U. S. must adhere to its withdrawal deadline.

After the Taliban's takeover, many Afghans seeking to leave have found themselves in bureaucratic limbo. Women, in particular, are increasingly risking their safety to flee the country. The Taliban's current policy requires foreign travel authorization, which many argue obstructs the safe departure of both Afghans and foreign nationals. Despite the worsening situation, over 60 countries have pressured the Taliban to allow those who wish to leave to do so without additional restrictions.

President Biden has committed U. S. military support for the evacuation of eligible Afghans. International pressure continues to mount, with statements from leaders like PM Boris Johnson demanding safe passage beyond set deadlines. The Afghan passport is reported to be among the weakest globally, making travel challenging, as holders must apply for visas in person at embassies. Meanwhile, Afghans face challenges in finding countries willing to accept them.