Seeking Stability: Fifi and Tabby’s Asylum Journey

For many people in the United States, the idea of seeking asylum is something read about in headlines or discussed in political debates. But for others—like Fifi and Tabby—it is a lived, daily reality. These two girls have spent the past few years not only adjusting to a new country but also navigating one of the most complex and emotionally demanding legal processes in the U.S.: Seeking Asylum.

As Afghan refugee youth navigating the U.S. asylum and immigration systems, Fifi and Tabby have found a sense of stability and belonging in North Carolina (NC), even as they await decisions that will shape their future. Like many Afghans who fled following the Taliban’s resurgence, they arrived in the U.S. with little more than the promise that this country could offer protection.

But asylum is not granted overnight.

The U.S. asylum process is long and layered.

• Once someone arrives and requests asylum, they must begin building a case that demonstrates credible fear of persecution in their home country due to factors such as religion, ethnicity, political opinion, gender, or association with a particular group.

• Applicants are required to provide detailed personal narratives, gather evidence, and often face long wait times for interviews and court hearings.

• For minors like Fifi and Tabby, the process is especially delicate, often involving legal guardians, translators, and immigration attorneys.

• Even after an application is submitted, asylum seekers live in a state of legal limbo. They are allowed to stay in the country while their case is reviewed, but they may face uncertainty for years.

• During that time, access to healthcare, work permits, and education varies. For young people, this means growing up while suspended between past trauma and an unclear future.

Despite these challenges, Fifi and Tabby have continued to move forward. Scouting became a vital anchor for them—offering routine, community, and a sense of purpose here in North Carolina. It gave them a space to feel like ordinary kids again, building friendships, developing skills, and contributing to their new home through service. While the asylum process loomed large in the background of their lives, Scouting provided something steady and hopeful.

Their journey is a reminder that behind every asylum case is a human story—often one of resilience, courage, and quiet strength. Fifi and Tabby are still waiting for a decision, still attending meetings, still dreaming of a stable future. But in the meantime, they are contributing in the most meaningful way they can: showing up, helping others, and doing their part in a country they now hope to call home.

As the public conversation around immigration continues, stories like theirs are vital. They show us that behind the policy and paperwork are real young people—striving, adapting, and giving back even as they wait for the right to stay.

If you’re reading this, thank you. And if you want to support the project, I’d be so grateful. It’s not just about earning a badge — it’s about making sure our stories don’t disappear. Because without support from people like you, none of this would be possible.

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