Thank you for your interest in representing an Afghan asylum seeker before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Asylum Office.
In this course, you will learn everything from the legal basis for asylum, to what to file in an affirmative application, to how to prepare a client for the asylum interview. If you have taken on a pro bono case and need mentorship, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for further guidance and information!
This course is intended for use only by attorneys, accredited representatives, and those assisting attorneys and accredited representatives in compliance with the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct. The information contained herein should not be construed as legal advice.Â
Course last updated: March 2023
Course Curriculum
Overview of Asylum Law and Application Preparation Process
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after you enroll
Questions? How to Contact VECINA with Questions About Afghan Asylum Issues
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after you enroll
Communicating with Your Client
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after you enroll
- Using Clio and Maintaining Client Confidentiality (5:52)
- Communicating With Your Client Through an Interpreter (7:26)
- Conducting Your First Client Meeting (8:21)
- Cultural Competency in Working with Afghan Clients
- Working With Clients With Mental And/or Physical Challenges (7:25)
- Pro Tips on Working With People Who Have Experienced Trauma
- Free Mental and Physical Health Resources for Afghan Parolees
The Basics of Asylum
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days
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after you enroll
- Sources of Asylum Law and Procedure
- Elements of Asylum (11:47)
- Persecution (13:37)
- Nexus (12:05)
- "Well-Founded Fear" of Persecution (8:43)
- Asylum Grounds: Race, Religion, Nationality, and Political Opinion (10:53)
- Asylum Grounds: Particular Social Groups (17:09)
- Corroboration and Credibility (13:54)
Framing Specific Types of Asylum Cases
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after you enroll
Bars to Asylum
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after you enroll
Preparing Your Case
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after you enroll
- Completing the Form G-28 (only for paper filings) (5:44)
- Completing the Form I-589
- Preparing the Declaration (Includes Samples) (10:15)
- Gathering Client-Specific Evidence (4:14)
- Tips on Drafting and Using Witness Statements (7:14)
- Common Afghan and U.S. Civil Documents Your Clients May Have (9:44)
- Obtaining Translations of Documents
- Country Conditions (8:58)
- The Memo of Law and List of Exhibits (Includes Samples)
Filing Your Case and Preparing for the Interview
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days
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after you enroll
- Submitting the Asylum Application Online
- What Happens After Submission: Receipt, Biometrics, Interview
- What to Expect During the Interview - Including Actual Interview Questions
- Mock Asylum Interview (59:29)
- Preparing the Client for the Interview (8:52)
- What to Bring to the Asylum Interview (3:41)
- Remote Appearances at the Asylum Interview (6:24)
- The Arlington, VA Asylum Office (6:49)
- Clients with Mental or Physical Challenges: Interview Tips and Best Practices (10:36)
Work Authorization While Asylum Application is Pending
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after you enroll
Including Spouses and Children on an Application
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after you enroll
Post-Interview
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After the Asylum Grant
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Templates and Other Resources
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after you enroll
Get In Touch for Additional Support
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after you enroll
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VECINA is a nonprofit with a mission to respond to immigrants’ humanitarian legal needs by equipping immigration justice advocates and immigrants with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
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