When I was hired as an interpreter in Afghanistan, a U.S. Army officer explained my contract in these terms: If I remained loyal to the Army, performed my duties well, and achieved the outlined goals, I would receive certain benefits, with the most crucial one being entry to the U.S. through a special visa.
We, the interpreters, were initially referred to as “Mission Essential Personnel” (MEPs) after the contracting agency. Later, this term was used to highlight the vital role we played in connecting the Army with the Afghan people. The U.S. government established the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program specifically for interpreters to immigrate to the U.S.
I fulfilled the promises I made, and in 2017, I was granted a visa.
Initially, it seemed that keeping these promises was not a challenge, as the economic conditions in the U.S. were relatively good. However, since my family arrived in the U.S., the country’s immigration issues have become a significant political matter, making it nearly impossible for thousands of MEPs seeking immigration through SIVs to keep the promises made to them.
The issue of illegal border crossings into the U.S. has been a growing problem, causing concern for the safety and security of Americans. While the U.S. government aims to rescue those in genuine danger among the illegal crossers, finding an acceptable, fair, and humane solution to the immigration problem has proven challenging for politicians.
However, alongside these concerns, I firmly believe that the U.S. has an obligation to the brave Afghan men and women who provided invaluable assistance to the U.S. Army and American civilians in Afghanistan. With the Taliban regaining control, many Afghan MEPs have been left behind, uncertain of their fate. Some have been forced to flee to neighboring countries. Their situation has prompted Americans and Afghans to appeal to the U.S. to prioritize those who aided the U.S. during the war on terror and expedite their entry into U.S. territory.
In a recent speech to world leaders, President Joe Biden pledged to defend every inch of NATO. While the U.S. has shown commitment to standing up for its European allies on a larger scale, it seems to have lost its sense of urgency in assisting smaller allies like Afghan interpreters.
One might argue that the comparison between NATO and Afghan interpreters is not valid since NATO has a defense pact. However, a promise was also made to Afghan MEPs to protect them and their families from reprisals due to their work with the U.S. Army. Leaving them behind raises moral responsibilities.
Despite the emergency evacuation, many Afghans who left still face hardships. I know of one man who, as part of the U.S.-backed special forces, managed to escape Afghanistan through Kabul Airport during the evacuation. Unfortunately, he had to leave his family behind, and he now lives in the U.S. without knowing when a decision will be made regarding his family’s fate. Their reunion seems like an unattainable dream.
Another interpreter, along with his family, was relocated to a facility in the United Arab Emirates. Although they were provided with basic necessities, they were confined to the facility and unable to work. My colleague described it as a “nice jail.” They recently arrived in the U.S., but countless others waiting face the same situation.
Meanwhile, the family of another interpreter friend of mine has become refugees in Brazil, struggling to meet their basic needs, even though the interpreter himself was welcomed to the U.S.
Considering that many Afghan men and women, who risked their lives, have been left in limbo, the U.S. government should expedite the screening and admission of these Afghan interpreters and other individuals who supported the U.S. mission. They believed in and risked everything for democracy, and their service should not result in punishment or suffering.
My intention is not to blame the U.S., but rather to shed light on the real stories of my former colleagues who continue to struggle. These separated families deserve to be reunited and have the opportunity to share their tales of bravery and the hardships they endured during the war in Afghanistan. Once together in the U.S., they should be given a platform to recount their stories of struggle and longing.
I mentioned the Quran at the beginning of this piece not with the aim of converting non-Muslim Americans, but as a reminder to those who uphold certain values and strive to honor their promises. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for Americans to fulfill their commitments to the courageous Afghan men and women who stood side by side with U.S. troops during the war. It is time to truly honor the title bestowed upon them as “Mission Essential Personnel” by the U.S.
Imran Khan, a former U.S. Army interpreter in Afghanistan, resides in Voorheesville.
Read this article in the Pashto language here.
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