A Manatt pro bono team successfully obtained legal permanent residence status for a former employee of the United States Embassy in Afghanistan and his family, all of whom were evacuated from the country after the Taliban took over in 2021.
Referred to as WR, the client worked for the United States Embassy in Kabul and previously with a NATO resolute support group. WR’s wife, referred to as FR, worked as a teacher in Afghanistan. WR, FR and their three children were airlifted out of Kabul as part of the humanitarian evacuation of Afghan citizens dubbed Operation Allies Refuge. Because of WR’s work which supported interests of the United States and its allies, he was eligible for a special immigrant visa (SIV), which allowed WR and his family to apply to become legal permanent residents (LPR) once in the United States.
After arriving to the States, Manatt assisted WR and his family at every step of the SIV adjustment of status application process, including drafting multiple declarations, preparing their LPR and employment reauthorization applications, working to safely acquire supporting documentation and preparing them for an interview with the USCIS. During the application process, WR described his experience fleeing Kabul with his family and recalled being forced by the Taliban to abandon his possessions—only managing to retain a few identifying documents.
Ultimately, WR and his family were granted LPR status and have since received their green cards. He has reunited with his sisters (who were previously granted asylum) in the United States and looks forward to building a life with his family.
The case was referred to Manatt by pro bono partner HIAS. The Manatt team representing WR and his family included Bryan Schneider and Russell Potter, with assistance from Sirena Castillo and Alexandra McCown.