Refugees from countries like Afghanistan and Ukraine are forced to flee due to war, persecution, and political instability. Upon arrival in the U.S., they face complex legal systems, shifting immigration policies, and gaps in resettlement support. Without coordinated advocacy and responsive policies, displaced communities struggle to access the resources needed for safety, stability, and long-term integration.
About This Webinar
Join us for an insightful discussion on the urgent realities that force refugees to flee their countries and the critical role of resettlement in rebuilding lives. This panel will explore the experiences of Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, the systemic barriers they face, the impact of new immigration policies, and how advocacy can improve policies and resources for displaced families.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
Understand the causes of forced migration and the unique challenges faced by Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.
Identify key legal pathways and policy gaps affecting refugee resettlement.
Recognize the importance of coordinated resettlement support, including housing, legal aid, and employment resources.
Explore the role of policy and community advocacy in promoting refugee integration.
Featured Speakers
Ahmad Zaki Qurbani
Immigration Legal Representative, IRC Sacramento
Zaki Qurbani is an Immigration Legal Representative. He holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of the Pacific. He has been working with the International Rescue Committee for over three years.
Ahmad Ghory
Casework Supervisor, IRC Sacramento
Ahmad Ghory is a resettlement professional with over 10 years of experience supporting refugees and displaced communities. Originally from Afghanistan, he holds a B.S. in Border Management from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and an A.S. in Administration of Justice from American River College. His background includes work with the IRC, American River College, U.S. Mission in Afghanistan, UNOPS, GOAL, and ACTED.
Liat Romick
Managing Attorney, Church World Service – Northern California
Liat Amsily Romick is a dedicated immigration attorney with over two decades of diverse legal experience. She currently serves as Managing Attorney at Church World Service in Northern California, where she leads the legal department, oversees complex immigration cases, and mentors attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers.
Liat’s career reflects a deep commitment to justice and advocacy for immigrant communities. Prior to her role at CWS, she represented asylum seekers, survivors of violence, and vulnerable youth.
Fluent in English and Spanish, and conversational in Hebrew, Liat holds law degrees from Universidad de Los Andes and Tulane University School of Law, where she earned both a J.D. and an LL.M. in Energy and Environment. She is licensed to practice law in New York, Mississippi, Texas, and California.
Agenda
12:00 PM – 12:10 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Dr. Sediq introduces the Triple Trauma Paradigm—examining the psychological, structural, and policy-driven challenges displaced communities face. Special emphasis on global conflicts, forced migration, and evolving immigration policies.
12:10 PM – 12:40 PM |The Afghan Refugee Experience (IRC Sacramento)
The Realities of Forced Migration: Understanding the conditions—war, persecution, and political instability—that push Afghans to leave their homeland.
The Urgency of Evacuation: Navigating chaotic departures, U.S. military bases, and the challenges of humanitarian parole.
Legal Barriers & Advocacy Needs: Addressing asylum, TPS, Special Immigrant Visas (SIV), and refugee sponsorship gaps.
Impact of New Immigration Policies: Examining recent policy shifts affecting Afghan refugees, including changes in resettlement funding, visa processing, and humanitarian aid.
The Importance of Resettlement Support: Housing, financial aid, employment authorization, and long-term integration.
Urgency of Advocacy: The role of community and policy advocacy in securing permanent protection for Afghan refugees.
12:40 PM – 1:10 PM | The Ukrainian Refugee Experience (CWS Bay Area)
The Reality of War & Displacement: Examining the continued devastation in Ukraine and its impact on refugee resettlement
Legal Pathways & Policy Challenges: Asylum, TPS, humanitarian parole, and family reunification advocacy efforts.
Impact of New Immigration Policies: Reviewing recent immigration policy updates and how they affect Ukrainian refugees, including temporary protection extensions and employment authorization changes.
Resettlement as a Lifeline: Access to housing, employment, and essential resources to rebuild lives.
Sustaining Support for Refugees: Addressing long-term needs, including legal aid, mental health services, and community integration.
Advocacy for Policy Change: How communities and organizations can push for stronger refugee protections.
1:10 PM – 1:25 PM | Q&A Session
1:25 PM – 1:30 PM | Closing Remarks