Help Afghan Refugees Find Safety in US

Joel Christian Ballezza is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hi, my name is Joel.

I met Marzieh, Jamal and their 1-year-old daughter, Mahdis, while flying home after my father passed away from cancer. We stuck up a conversation on the plane and I learned that the family had just fled Afghanistan after being pursued and attacked by the Taliban due to their past service to the elected Afghan government and US authorities. I also learned that their daughter was nearly the exact same age as my son. Because of this, I knew I had to help.

For the past three months, I have been working with the family to help get them support services—especially help from a lawyer to navigate the complex US immigration system.

Use of Funds

All donations received will go to fund Marzieh and Jamal's legal fees at the Seattle-based Gibbs Houston Pauw Boyd Cornell Immigration Law Firm and ensure they have their case heard in US Immigration Court, scheduled for April 2024. Lacking other financial resources, they will not be able to access help from a lawyer without your support.

Funds will be used exclusively to cover their legal costs in filing their asylum claim and to secure a work permit to get back on their feet. The total cost of the three asylum claims will run between $8,000 - $11,000. Legal fees include costs incurred by their lawyer, paralegals and expenses associated with court filings.

Presently the family is staying with Afghan community members in the Seattle-area while also seeking assistance for housing until they can get jobs and a more secure life.

How Else You Can Help

Donate! We are hoping to raise enough funds to cover their full asylum legal fees. Even $15 or $25 can help get them assistance from lawyers and help cover other associated immigration fees.
Share this story! Send this fundraiser to a friend or family member who may be interested in supporting this cause. Write an email and post a link on your social media accounts.
Share tips on community resources! Know of Seattle-area not-for-profits that can assist with food, housing or other resources for recent immigrants? Click the "Contact" button and let us know what options are available.

The family has asked that I not disclose their last name to ensure their safety and help protect extended family still living in Afghanistan.