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The Horrifying Story Of What Is Happening To Former US Interpreters In Afghanistanhttps://www.businessinsider.in/the-horrifying-story-of-what-is-happening-to-former-us-interpreters-in-afghanistan/the-program-starts-by-introducing-srosh-an-ex-interpreter-in-kabul-who-cant-get-an-american-visa-even-though-he-meets-all-of-the-requirements-for-one-the-taliban-killed-his-relatives-just-two-weeks-before-this-interview-/slidelist/38984055.cms2021-07-26T12:47:25+05:30

The Horrifying Story Of What Is Happening To Former US Interpreters In Afghanistan

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Jul 26, 2021, 12:47 IST

The program starts by introducing Srosh, an ex-interpreter in Kabul who can't get an American visa even though he meets all of the requirements for one. The Taliban killed his relatives just two weeks before this interview.

The program starts by introducing Srosh, an ex-interpreter in Kabul who can't get an American visa even though he meets all of the requirements for one. The Taliban killed his relatives just two weeks before this interview. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Srosh lives in a small, unsecure setting and constantly fears for his life. The longer he has to stay in Afghanistan, he says, the more likely it is the Taliban "are going to catch me, probably cut my head off."

Srosh lives in a small, unsecure setting and constantly fears for his life. The longer he has to stay in Afghanistan, he says, the more likely it is the Taliban "are going to catch me, probably cut my head off." — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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He's proud of his work for the U.S., and he shows off a certificate he hopes will expedite his visa process. When asked about his feelings toward America, he said, "I know they'll help me because I know the U.S. government is not corrupt."

He's proud of his work for the U.S., and he shows off a certificate he hopes will expedite his visa process. When asked about his feelings toward America, he said, "I know they'll help me because I know the U.S. government is not corrupt." — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Most interpreters also carry binders full of credentials, thinking these papers will help them flee the country.

Most interpreters also carry binders full of credentials, thinking these papers will help them flee the country. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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These two unnamed interpreters have both been unable to get American visas, even though their lives are in danger after aiding the U.S.

These two unnamed interpreters have both been unable to get American visas, even though their lives are in danger after aiding the U.S. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

This man says he passed all of the clearances to obtain a visa but is still in limbo.

This man says he passed all of the clearances to obtain a visa but is still in limbo. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Even the American military captain he reported to can't help him get a visa.

Even the American military captain he reported to can't help him get a visa. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

This man injured his genitals when an IED exploded near the unit of soldiers he was working with. He can't have kids now, and he says he can't go anywhere in Afghanistan because the Taliban "will cut my head off."

This man injured his genitals when an IED exploded near the unit of soldiers he was working with. He can't have kids now, and he says he can't go anywhere in Afghanistan because the Taliban "will cut my head off." — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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This former interpreter also fears for his life. The Taliban seriously injured him and killed his brother when they shot up his car in retaliation for his work for the U.S. He can't return home and often gets death threats from the Taliban.

This former interpreter also fears for his life. The Taliban seriously injured him and killed his brother when they shot up his car in retaliation for his work for the U.S. He can't return home and often gets death threats from the Taliban. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Interpreters are harassed in other ways, too. Pictured with American troops, this man said he was robbed because many believe the interpreters are paid well. (In reality, he only ever made about $15,000 in total.) He said he never would've taken the job if he knew the coalition would leave.

Interpreters are harassed in other ways, too. Pictured with American troops, this man said he was robbed because many believe the interpreters are paid well. (In reality, he only ever made about $15,000 in total.) He said he never would've taken the job if he knew the coalition would leave. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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These men stay at home, even on weekends and holidays, because they always fear for their lives. They have gotten death threats from American-trained police who have connections to the Taliban.

These men stay at home, even on weekends and holidays, because they always fear for their lives. They have gotten death threats from American-trained police who have connections to the Taliban. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

"After the U.S. leaves in 2014, none of us will be alive anymore," this man says, even though some troops will likely remain until 2016.

"After the U.S. leaves in 2014, none of us will be alive anymore," this man says, even though some troops will likely remain until 2016. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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The men are not just paranoid. A Taliban spokesman told Vice News the interpreters are traitors and will be put to death.

The men are not just paranoid. A Taliban spokesman told Vice News the interpreters are traitors and will be put to death. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Several ex-interpreters have been killed on camera, as the Taliban wants to show others what will happen to Afghans who helped the Americans.

Several ex-interpreters have been killed on camera, as the Taliban wants to show others what will happen to Afghans who helped the Americans. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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If this man can't get a visa soon, he will have to borrow money and pay someone to smuggle him out. A fake visa to get to Europe costs around $20,000.

If this man can't get a visa soon, he will have to borrow money and pay someone to smuggle him out. A fake visa to get to Europe costs around $20,000. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Those who do escape illegally often become homeless and have no job prospects. This is a sleeping area in Athens, Greece where many Afghan refugees fled.

Those who do escape illegally often become homeless and have no job prospects. This is a sleeping area in Athens, Greece where many Afghan refugees fled. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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One former interpreter shows Vice News around the abandoned ship in Greece he once called home.

One former interpreter shows Vice News around the abandoned ship in Greece he once called home. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Here's another area within the ship where more Afghan refugees slept.

Here's another area within the ship where more Afghan refugees slept. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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This abandoned warehouse housed hundreds of Afghan refugees at once. The building is still home to refugees passing through.

This abandoned warehouse housed hundreds of Afghan refugees at once. The building is still home to refugees passing through. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Some refugees attempt to enter Greece by hiding in secret truck compartments, but are often found by police.

Some refugees attempt to enter Greece by hiding in secret truck compartments, but are often found by police. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Some even try to hide above the wheels of these trucks.

Some even try to hide above the wheels of these trucks. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Former interpreter Hamid Faizi fled Afghanistan and wound up in Greece, where he was sent to a prison camp for 18 months. He couldn't contact his family for two months.

Former interpreter Hamid Faizi fled Afghanistan and wound up in Greece, where he was sent to a prison camp for 18 months. He couldn't contact his family for two months. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Faizi said the camps are far worse than prison. He now has been granted asylum.

Faizi said the camps are far worse than prison. He now has been granted asylum. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

But he lives in a one bedroom apartment with five other refugees. They have no hot water.

But he lives in a one bedroom apartment with five other refugees. They have no hot water. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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The Taliban once offered to leave Faizi alone if he would give them his interpreter identification card and his car. He refused because he knew they would likely use them to carry out a suicide attack on an American or NATO compound, such as the one pictured below. Now, he feels America has betrayed him.

The Taliban once offered to leave Faizi alone if he would give them his interpreter identification card and his car. He refused because he knew they would likely use them to carry out a suicide attack on an American or NATO compound, such as the one pictured below. Now, he feels America has betrayed him. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Interpreters who do receive American visas must deal with an unimaginable about of red tape. Even with the help of former U.S. Army Captain Matt Zeller, Janis Shinwari's application made no headway in three years.

Interpreters who do receive American visas must deal with an unimaginable about of red tape. Even with the help of former U.S. Army Captain Matt Zeller, Janis Shinwari's application made no headway in three years. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Shinwari once saved Zeller's life by killing two Taliban fighters who were getting ready to attack the former Army captain.

Shinwari once saved Zeller's life by killing two Taliban fighters who were getting ready to attack the former Army captain. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

The Taliban then sent Shinwari's picture to all of their units. They made his death a top priority.

The Taliban then sent Shinwari's picture to all of their units. They made his death a top priority. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Even though Shinwari had been the personal interpreter for 12 U.S. senators, he didn't get a visa until Zeller kicked up a media storm. Zeller said it's impossible to raise that level of awareness for others in need.

Even though Shinwari had been the personal interpreter for 12 U.S. senators, he didn't get a visa until Zeller kicked up a media storm. Zeller said it's impossible to raise that level of awareness for others in need. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Zeller now takes in Afghan refugees who are allowed to come to America. This ex-interpreter, Ajmal, didn't even get to say goodbye to his close friends. He left Afghanistan quickly once the Taliban got word that he acquired a visa.

Zeller now takes in Afghan refugees who are allowed to come to America. This ex-interpreter, Ajmal, didn't even get to say goodbye to his close friends. He left Afghanistan quickly once the Taliban got word that he acquired a visa. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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However, during the Vice News interview, he got an email saying he was no longer eligible for resettlement benefits because he didn't take a U.S.-arranged flight to America. His case was closed.

However, during the Vice News interview, he got an email saying he was no longer eligible for resettlement benefits because he didn't take a U.S.-arranged flight to America. His case was closed. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

America's lack of resources for the visa process poses a major problem for the Afghan interpreters. The Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is one of very few places dealing with the problem.

America's lack of resources for the visa process poses a major problem for the Afghan interpreters. The Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is one of very few places dealing with the problem. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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However, IRAP only has four employees. And the Afghan interpreters can't get help from the Department of Defense since it doesn't consider the interpreters to be veterans.

However, IRAP only has four employees. And the Afghan interpreters can't get help from the Department of Defense since it doesn't consider the interpreters to be veterans. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

Yet, former Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran and current Illinois congressman Adam Kinzinger said the government "would move heaven and earth to bring them back." He says background checks are probably holding up the process, though there are no known cases of interpreters coming to the U.S. and turning to terrorism.

Yet, former Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran and current Illinois congressman Adam Kinzinger said the government "would move heaven and earth to bring them back." He says background checks are probably holding up the process, though there are no known cases of interpreters coming to the U.S. and turning to terrorism. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Earlier this year, new legislation was proposed that would make it easier for interpreters to get visas. The law would increase the number of available visas and streamline the process for obtaining one. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), was instrumental in crafting the proposal.

Earlier this year, new legislation was proposed that would make it easier for interpreters to get visas. The law would increase the number of available visas and streamline the process for obtaining one. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), was instrumental in crafting the proposal. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

But just a few weeks after the announcement, political infighting stalled any new legislation involving immigration.

But just a few weeks after the announcement, political infighting stalled any new legislation involving immigration. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Meanwhile in Afghanistan, this former interpreter, who is speaking with Zeller and Shinwari via Skype, had to come out of hiding because he ran out of money. He now drives a taxi. Worse yet, he got word that Taliban prisoners he helped arrest had been released.

Meanwhile in Afghanistan, this former interpreter, who is speaking with Zeller and Shinwari via Skype, had to come out of hiding because he ran out of money. He now drives a taxi. Worse yet, he got word that Taliban prisoners he helped arrest had been released. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

The State Department declined to be interviewed for the series. There are just 280 visas left for Afghan interpreters, with more than 6,000 applicants trying to obtain one.

The State Department declined to be interviewed for the series. There are just 280 visas left for Afghan interpreters, with more than 6,000 applicants trying to obtain one. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

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Unless a change is made, there will be no more visas available after the end of this month.

Unless a change is made, there will be no more visas available after the end of this month. — Source: Ben Anderson/Vice News

You can watch the full documentary from Vice below.

You can watch the full documentary from Vice below.

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After reading about the deplorable conditions faced by Afghan interpreters in a war zone...

After reading about the deplorable conditions faced by Afghan interpreters in a war zone... — Check Out 31 Mesmerizing Pictures From A Part Of Afghanistan Still Untouched By War>

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