“I want to use this recognition to remind Congress, and all of us, that to truly honor the sacrifices our Afghan allies and their families made to stand by the U.S., we must introduce and pass the Afghan Adjustment Act and drastically improve the SIV and parole processes for those left behind in grave danger.” – Catherine Lindgren

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has recognized the AILA Afghan Response Task Force with the 2022 Michael Maggio Memorial Pro Bono Award for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono representation in the immigration field. ILAP Project Attorney Catherine N. Lindgren has been an integral member of the Task Force, helping organize a national pro bono response to help individuals filing asylum and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications, as well as resettlement and advocacy efforts for the more than 70,000 Afghans who were evacuated to the United States.

“Catherine has been a passionate advocate for our Afghan neighbors, friends, and colleagues here in Maine and across the country,” said ILAP Executive Director Sue Roche. “She has been steadfast in her work to meet this urgent humanitarian crisis and her extraordinary efforts in partnership with Afghan community members has been remarkable, ensuring hundreds of Mainers have the legal support they need to find safety. Congratulations to Catherine and the entire Task Force – they have made and will continue to make a tremendous impact.”

Lindgren (third from the right) stands with other Task Force members during the award
presentation at the AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law earlier this month.

A group of highly dedicated attorneys came together in late August 2021 to form the Task Force and provide emergency pro bono assistance to Afghans trying to find safety in the U.S. They also disseminate essential legal information and updates and engage in direct advocacy.

“I am grateful that ILAP had the vision to create the Afghanistan Project early on in this crisis,” said Lindgren. “I want to use this recognition to remind Congress, and all of us, that to truly honor the sacrifices our Afghan allies and their families made to stand by the U.S., we must introduce and pass the Afghan Adjustment Act and drastically improve the SIV and parole processes for those left behind in grave danger.”