Name: LegalService
Item: Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C.
Rating: 5
Author: Shahram G.

Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. proudly serves the Afghan immigrant community in San Jose, anywhere in California, and throughout the world. Whether you have arrived through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) or via another way, we can represent you and help you in immigration proceedings.

Help from an Immigration Lawyer for Afghans

From 2010 to 2022, in 12 years, 141,000 Afghan immigrants entered the United States — nearly quadrupling the immigrant population from the country. (Migration Policy Institute) Many of these immigrants are refugees, with conflict driving migration to the United States and other countries.

The United States is committed to helping the Afghan population. However, the immigration process is complex and can be difficult. An experienced Afghan immigration lawyer can help you with everything needed for your situation.

To talk to a San Jose immigration lawyer in the U.S. for Afghans, call or message Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C.

Legal Help for Afghan Immigrants

Our law firm helps a diverse group of immigrants from around the world.

Here are some ways a lawyer may represent you:

We know the law

Immigration law is complex and constantly changing. We know the laws and the steps to follow, but the rules may change at any time, and we stay current on recent developments.

We advise

You need to know what the law says about your case. Sometimes, there is more than one way to proceed. You need to know what you can do and what you should do. We will learn the details of your situation and look at the possible paths for you and your family. We will advise you and provide legal counsel.

We explain

Choosing immigration is one of the most important and consequential decisions you will ever make. You need to know what to consider. You need to know what to expect. We explain what you need to know and answer your questions.

We advocate

You can have a legal professional representing you. We prepare documents, making sure that everything is complete. We will represent you in the entire process.

Afghan Immigration to the United States – Programs and Ways to Qualify

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is a multi-agency effort involving government and non-government organizations. The program coordinates refugee resettlement, creating policies, shortening processing time, and allowing the United States to serve as a haven for refugees from around the world.

There are three USRAP priorities, allowing refugees of humanitarian concern, including Afghans, to enter the United States:

Afghan Priority-1, P-1, Individual referral

Afghans may be eligible for the P-1 individual referral program, as identified and referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the U.S. embassy, or designated non-governmental organizations.

Afghan Priority-2, P-2, Special groups of Concern

Qualified Afghans may resettle in the United States through the Priority-2 program. Eligible family members, including spouses and children of any age, may benefit from the program.

Afghan Priority-3, Family Reunification

If you have family members who entered the United States as refugees, or if they were granted asylum, you may qualify for family reunification. Afghan nationals may participate in the P-3 family reunification program including parents, spouses, and unmarried children under age 21.

Special Immigration Visa for Afghanistan

Afghans who were employed by or on behalf of the United States may qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa under the Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

A new process went into place in 2022, using Form DS-157. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 approved additional visas for Afghan applicants through the SIV program.

Family immigration and other immigration programs

In addition to refugee and special immigrant programs that may be especially of interest to the Afghan community, you may qualify for other visa and immigrant programs. These may include family visas and the diversity visa lottery.

As your lawyer, we can evaluate all options that may be available to you.

Forms and Documents for Afghan Immigration

The forms and documents you will use as an Afghan immigrant depend on your situation. Some forms and documents that may be important include:

Form I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant
DS-260: Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration
DS-157: Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicants
Form I-589: Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Form I-131: Application for Travel Document (if your initial parole has expired and you want to request a new parole period).
Supporting documents: Including your passport, proof of nationality, birth certificate, proof of service to the United States, if applicable, and background check. Documents not written in English must be officially translated.

All immigration petitions are complex, requiring many forms and documents. While these are some examples, any immigration petition requires many documents and forms. As your legal representative, we will prepare what is needed for your case.

Resettlement assistance and benefits

As an Afghan immigrant, you may qualify for resettlement assistance. Help is available, and it may include cash assistance, housing, employment, community integration, healthcare, language learning, food, clothing, and household needs.

We can direct you to these resources available through the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Resources are distributed through state and local agencies. You may apply immediately.

Find state contacts for the ORR assistance program.

LEAVE YOUR IMMIGRATION WORRIES IN OUR HANDS

Our experienced team of immigration attorneys can manage all the paperwork and challenges on your behalf. Book a consultation.

Does the United States have an embassy in Afghanistan?

The United States no longer has an embassy in Kabul. It closed on August 31, 2021. Afghans needing U.S. embassy or consulate services may contact any U.S. embassy or consulate they can safely travel to. Some Kabul embassy personnel are working out of the U.S. embassy in Doha.

Experienced Lawyer for Afghan Immigration Services in San Jose

Medya Ansari of Getachew & Ansari Immigration Attorneys, P.C. is an experienced lawyer who assists the Afghan community with immigration representation. Whether you are in San Jose, the Bay Area, anywhere in California, or anywhere else in the world, we are here to assist you.

It is our goal to put you in the best position for success.

Call 408-292-7995 or send us a message online to talk to a lawyer and get help with your case.

★★★★★

I honestly don't know where to start. Yemi was by far the best and most considerate person I ever met. She is straight and professional on what she does. I am really lucky and blessed to have her by my side throughout my paper works. Her office is easy to access and provides all the information you need. She is humble, passionate and a big time motivator. She was there with me through out the thick and thin. Her associates and co-workers are very helpful and professionals. Mark my words, she is good at what she performs.
Much love and respect to her and her team!

Johan B.

A short while ago, my wife and I consulted Miss Ansari on the subject of applying for U.S. naturalization and citizenship. We found Miss Ansari, from the very starting point, quite energetic, knowledgeable, and efficient. We thus retained her to represent our case. I think the whole process took us about four months, and we are now U.S. citizens. It is also of interest to new applicants that her fees are very reasonable and indeed are worth it. I might also add that the office personnel were courteous and friendly.

Shahram G.

My wife and I came into Getachew’s law office unsure of my future. Speaking with Medya gave us a sense of security and hope for a positive outcome. Fast forward a couple of years and I’m so thankful and happy I came to Getachew & Ansari’s law office. My family is grateful for all your help. Thanks again!

Luis B.

Everyone at this law firm is very professional and nice to work with, especially Attorney Medya Ansari. She is phenomenal. Today, my friend was granted asylum because of Medya's hard work, preparation, and guidance. Ms. Ansari is thorough, compassionate, dedicated, detailed, accommodating, and easy to work with. We are so happy and fortunate to have found the law firm through a simple Google search. I would highly recommend using their services for immigration matters. Congratulations on winning another case!

Sameera T.

I must state here that Media was like family throughout from start to finish, specially her continued follow up and updates, despite the complicity of the matter. Now and after few months of hard work and dedication, the matter is resolved and we are home again! Thank you Ms. Ansari for your superior work, your display of passion, and for your professionalism. We are grateful to you for many many years to come.

Imad N.

I am immensely thankful for their outstanding support in securing my permanent residency after a decade in the USA. Their expertise in asylum and change of status processes was crucial in navigating the complexities of my case. Their commitment, attention to detail, and effective communication made the hard journey smooth and successful. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable immigration assistance. They are the best. To Medya and everyone in the office, thank you!

Wayel A.

I hardly write reviews, but after speaking with Yemi this morning, I would feel bad, if I do not write about my great conversation with her. The front office was very helpful and polite. They immediately helped me to make an appointment with Yemi. Thank you. Yemi was very friendly, helpful, empathetic and professional. She listened to my case and gave me great advices. If I decided to go through my case with a lawyer, I would definitely be her client. Thank you so much to everyone at Yemi Getachew law office.

Catherine G.

Ms. Getachew is compassionate when working with people and brilliant in the courtroom! I highly recommend this firm to anyone who might need immigration help.

Val Richards A.

Afghan Immigration Lawyer in San Jose