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Point of Contact – Afghan Pilot Recertification Program
If your site has APA clients who previously worked as pilots in Afghanistan, and are interested in being connected to the Afghan pilot recertification program, please have your resettlement staff reach out directly to Rebecca Fishman at Upwardly Global (rfishman@upwardlyglobal.org).
New Exemptions to Terrorism-Related Inadmissibility Grounds Announced
On June 14, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State announced the creation of three new exemptions to the terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds (TRIG) that are potentially applicable to Afghan nationals seeking to enter, or adjust status in, the United States. These grounds normally bar members of a “terrorist organization” and others deemed to have “engaged in terrorist activity” or related actions from receiving most immigration benefits provided under U.S. law, including asylum and special immigrant visas. They are known for being interpreted and applied quite broadly. The newly created exemptions may apply to someone who:
- Supported U.S. military interests, specifically Afghan allies who fought or otherwise supported those who fought in the resistance movement against the Taliban and Afghans who took part in the conflict against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan;
- Was employed as civil servants in Afghanistan at any time from September 27, 1996, to December 22, 2001, or after August 15, 2021; or
- Provided insignificant or certain limited material support to a designated terrorist organization.
Importantly, these exemptions are discretionary and whether or not they apply is determined on a case-by-case basis by the adjudicating authority. More about these and other so-called “situational exemptions” to TRIG can be found here.
APA Legal Resource Library Updates
Thank you to all who attended last week’s joint USCCB/CLINIC webinar: “TPS for Afghans and the One-Year Asylum Filing Deadline”! The webinar recording and PowerPoint slides are now available on the APA Legal Resource Library:
You will also find a new section of the APA Legal Resource Library devoted to Trauma-Informed Legal Support resources, including toolkits, webinars, and more.
Stay Connected!
If you were forwarded this email from a colleague and would like to receive the APA Update, contact APAProgramAssociate@usccb.org to get on the mailing list!
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