Immigration Lawyers: Afghan Migrants Should Adjust Their Legal Status to Avoid Deportation!
Sacramento, California – The immigration policies of President Donald Trump’s administration have sparked significant concern among Afghan migrants in California, particularly those without legal status. In response, a legal awareness session was held in Sacramento to address these concerns and provide guidance on preventing deportation.
The session was organized by GERA California in collaboration with the Anar Project and the Afghan American Community Organization. Two experienced immigration attorneys provided legal strategies for migrants seeking to safeguard their status and avoid deportation.
Suleiman Rahal, Executive Director of GERA California, emphasized that the purpose of the event was to ensure migrants have access to accurate legal information to help them navigate the complexities of immigration policies and avoid unnecessary legal challenges.
Legal Strategies for Preventing Deportation
Spojmie Nasiri and Sara Kohgaday, both seasoned immigration lawyers, outlined legal pathways for undocumented migrants to adjust their immigration status and mitigate the risks associated with Trump’s policies.
Nasiri stressed that migrants at the highest risk of deportation are those who have not adjusted their parole status or have a criminal record. She highlighted two key steps for avoiding deportation:
- Adjusting Legal Status – Migrants should explore legal pathways such as applying for asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
- Avoiding Any Criminal Offense – Any criminal activity, even minor infractions, can significantly increase the risk of deportation under the current administration.
Nasiri also noted that immigration processing times, including Green Card applications and asylum case reviews, have become significantly longer under Trump’s administration, making it more crucial for migrants to take proactive legal steps as soon as possible.
Sara Kohgaday explained that Afghan migrants who entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole should prioritize filing for asylum or TPS as a safeguard against deportation. She reassured attendees that not all Afghan migrants face deportation risks, but those who have criminal records or have not initiated steps to adjust their legal status remain vulnerable.
During the session, both attorneys also addressed individual legal concerns, offering legal guidance tailored to specific immigration cases.
Growing Anxiety Among Migrant Communities
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has enacted a series of executive orders aimed at tightening immigration restrictions, including large-scale deportations. These actions have heightened anxiety among migrant communities, particularly undocumented individuals, who fear increased enforcement measures.
Legal experts continue to urge Afghan migrants in the U.S. to stay informed, seek legal counsel, and take immediate action to secure their immigration status before stricter policies further impact their ability to remain in the country.
