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A first-person account from a World Relief Western Washington Immigration and Legal Services Representative.
I first met Sahra* at the World Relief office here in 2021. Her voice was very quiet, as she responded “Yes.” “No.” “I don’t know,” as we talked. She kept her face covered and her gaze away from me and our interpreter. She constantly squeezed her fingers, obviously uncomfortable and nervous.
It took several more meetings and phone calls for her to trust me with her story. She had been raised in a small village in Afghanistan under a traditional and conservative upbringing. There were no schools for girls, and so she had no education and never learned to read or write.
“But I always wanted to go to school,” she added quietly and firmly.
Her father arranged her marriage when she was 17, which she accepted without question. She raised five children, three girls and two boys. She felt fortunate to be happy with her husband, and to feel they had a good life together.
Sahra’s husband, along with her brothers-in-law, worked in the American military base near their village. Many in the village, in fact, supported and worked for the Americans.
Tragedy and shock shredded her family in 2019, as her husband died suddenly—apparently by poisoning. Three of her cousins had been killed by the Taliban, along with several neighbors in the village. Sahra knew her and her children’s lives were in peril. Under the care of her eldest brother-in-law, she and her children were able to escape.
Rebuilding in Washington with Immigration Support
Though living in the United States has brought a measure of security, Sahra feels the burden of new demands and challenges. She didn’t pay attention to news, so she knew very little about the Taliban. But today she well understands the policy shifts that could increase the chances of her family’s forced return to Afghanistan.
Sahra is taking it all on. Though she’s lived a life with no room for dreams of her own, she shows steel and resolve when she says “I want to learn English. When I learn more, I could go to school and get a job.”
She shows joy at seeing all of her children in school, her three daughters included. She wants her daughters to go to college and get jobs.
It is the first time I see her smile.
The Impact of Legal Services for Refugees
Some months later, I accompanied Sahra and her children to their asylum interview. They were dressed up and looked beautiful. The little girls wore stunning green and gold traditional Afghan clothing. My team and I prepared Sahra for her interview. She answered all the questions quietly but confidently.
The asylum officer seemed touched when Sahra stated that she wanted to learn English and how to drive. When it came time to sign papers, Sahra could only make an “X.” She apologized, visibly embarrassed.
Sahra’s asylum was granted nonetheless and her family all got Employment Authorization Documents.
Soon I will help them apply for their green cards.
Unfortunately, I will also have to tell them that they are no longer safe and have to carry red cards* with them.

Example of a red card.
*All identities have been shielded.
Continue Supporting Legal Services for Refugees
Stories like Sahra’s highlight the vital work of World Relief Western Washington and our Immigration and Legal Services. Our team provides compassionate, professional support to individuals seeking safety, dignity, and a new beginning.
We invite you to learn more about our Immigration and Legal Services, our Immigrant Resource Hub, and donate to continue the mission.
Click here to read more stories like Sahra’s in our 2024 Year in Review.