News

After the fall of Kabul in August 2021, thousands of individuals were evacuated from Afghanistan. Of these, 1,400 resettled in Minnesota and North Dakota. With only temporary status, however, they fear return to a Taliban-controlled country. Congress has failed to pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, leaving asylum as the best pathway to safety for many evacuees. In response to this unanticipated and unprecedented legal need, hundreds of attorneys and legal professionals have volunteered to provide pro bono legal representation. We appreciate every volunteer who has contributed to this effort.

Volunteers at our law firm partners Faegre Drinker and Lathrop GPM have represented asylum seekers for decades. Their responses to the legal needs of our Afghan neighbors were extraordinary: collectively representing 36 families seeking asylum. Their representation not only benefits clients in Minnesota and North Dakota, but also family members abroad who were not able to participate in the evacuation. Overall, these two firms will impact more than 110 lives. We are grateful for their exceptional contributions.