Afghan Interpreters Deserve Our Help

I served in Afghanistan in the early 2000's, working on U.S. counternarcotics efforts. During that time, I worked closely with several Afghan interpreters who were essential to my mission. These interpreters took great risks in their service to the United States, and many of them are now in danger because of their work with us.

After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, more than 76,000 Afghan refugees came to the United States. Most of these refugees are stuck in legal limbo. The humanitarian program under which they arrived in the United States, known as Operation Allies Welcome, does not provide a pathway to citizenship.

This is unacceptable. The Afghan interpreters who served with us put their lives on the line to help us achieve our goals in Afghanistan. They deserve our protection and a pathway to a new life in the United States.

There are several things that American citizens can do to help Afghan interpreters and refugees. First, we can contact our elected officials and urge them to support legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for Afghan interpreters and refugees. Second, we can donate to organizations that are providing assistance to Afghan interpreters and refugees. Third, we can volunteer our time to help Afghan interpreters and refugees adjust to life in the United States.

We must not forget the Afghan interpreters who served with us. They deserve our help.

Here are some specific ways that American citizens can help:

• Donate to organizations that are providing assistance to Afghan interpreters and refugees, such as the International Rescue Committee and No One Left Behind.

• Volunteer your time to help Afghan interpreters and refugees adjust to life in the United States, such by providing language assistance or helping them find jobs.

• Contact your elected officials and urge them to support legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for Afghan interpreters and refugees.

• Educate yourself about the challenges facing Afghan interpreters and refugees and share this information with others.

By taking these actions, we can show our support for Afghan interpreters and refugees and help them rebuild their lives in the United States.