Beacon to Sponsor Afghan Family

Beacon has agreed to sponsor a family from Afghanistan, for emergency entry to the United States. Dr. Z (we are protecting her privacy) was educated in the U.S. and technically still runs the Counseling Department at a large university. Her career has been devoted to the well-being and education of women, and the creation of mental health services in Afghanistan.

Now that the Taliban has seized power Dr. Z and her family are at risk of harm. Dr. Z was unable to flee during the chaotic final weeks of the American presence, and is in immediate need of an emergency visa in order to reach temporary safety. Once they have left Afghanistan, the necessary paperwork her family requires for entry to the United States as refugees can be completed.

Dr. Z’s father died just weeks before the Taliban seized power. She is unwilling to leave Afghanistan without the rest of her family, which includes her mother and brother, and his wife and two children. Each family member requires completion of paperwork. This is a painstaking process and will require much work and legal assistance.

Beacon’s sponsorship initially involves a willingness to complete the necessary paperwork. If the State Department grants Dr. Z and her family Humanitarian Parole, they will be legally able to enter the United States. Completion of the process for admission to the U.S. is likely to take 4-6 months. Rev. Robin and the Beacon team will stay closely involved with Dr. Z and her family as the process proceeds. Once she is free to enter, depending on what academic appointment Dr. Z may secure, Beacon will assist the family with temporary housing and some aspects of resettlement.

How you can help:

  • Volunteer for our legal team. First and foremost, lawyers and paralegals are needed to prepare Beacon’s application for sponsorship and Dr. Z’s application for emergency humanitarian parole.

  • Donate money. The application fee for seven individuals will run about $5000; other costs will accrue as we support Dr. Z and her family’s journey to the US; and we may need to hire an attorney, depending on the number of Beacon volunteers. Please make checks payable to Beacon and be sure to add “Afghan Family Support” in the memo line.

  • Stay tuned and join the Beacon team. More opportunities for volunteers will develop as the process moves along.

For more information on ways you can help, please contact dianakyser@gmail.com or text 917-882-7558.

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