Challenges Faced by Afghan Interpreters

Oct 16, 2024

Lecture Notes: Interpreters in Afghanistan

Introduction

  • The lecture discusses the perilous situation faced by interpreters who worked with foreign forces in Afghanistan.
  • Interpreters played a crucial role during the war by bridging communication and providing intelligence.
  • Following the withdrawal of foreign troops, interpreters are targeted by the Taliban as traitors and spies.

Challenges Faced by Afghan Interpreters

  • Many interpreters have relatives who have been killed and fear for their own lives.
  • Despite meeting visa requirements, interpreters face bureaucratic hurdles and delays in securing safe passage to the US.
  • Some interpreters have been waiting for years without resolution, even with necessary documentation.

Personal Accounts and Experiences

  • Soroche: A former interpreter who fears for his life after the withdrawal of NATO forces, as his relatives have been killed by the Taliban.
  • Interpreters are often hunted and killed for their association with foreign forces.
  • Some interpreters cannot return to their villages due to threats from local communities and the Taliban.

Bureaucratic and Systemic Issues

  • The Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) program is meant to provide interpreters with a safe passage, but the process is slow and full of obstacles.
  • Many interpreters meet all visa conditions but still face rejection or indefinite delays.
  • There is a lack of priority and resources allocated to expediting these visas.

Smuggling and Unsafe Escape Routes

  • Some interpreters resort to smugglers to escape Afghanistan, leading to dangerous journeys and financial ruin.
  • Many get stuck in transit countries like Greece, living in poor conditions.

Assistance from Veterans and Other Supporters

  • American veterans, like Matt Zeller, actively work to secure visas for interpreters they served with.
  • Legal organizations, like the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), provide pro bono support for visa applications but face challenges due to bureaucracy.

Legislative Efforts and Political Response

  • Some bipartisan efforts are underway to expand and improve the SIV program.
  • New legislation aims to streamline the visa process, but political delays and disagreements threaten progress.

Conclusion

  • The current system is failing interpreters who risked their lives for foreign forces.
  • The ongoing struggle highlights the need for accountability and quicker action by governments to protect these individuals.
  • Advocacy and legislative reform are crucial to fulfilling promises made to Afghan interpreters.