Summary
U.S. military veterans have formed a group called Battle Buddies to support Afghan refugees facing deportation. These veterans attend immigration hearings to show moral and legal support for Afghans who helped the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan. Many Afghans are worried about being sent back to a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan after programs protecting them were ended.
Key Facts
- Battle Buddies is a group of U.S. military veterans assisting Afghan refugees at immigration hearings.
- Abdul, a former journalist in Afghanistan, is applying for political asylum in California.
- Approximately 200,000 Afghans moved to the U.S. after the Taliban took over Kabul in 2021.
- Protective programs for Afghans were terminated, raising their fears of deportation.
- Ten veterans attended Abdul's hearing to demonstrate support, wearing military attire.
- Shawn VanDiver, a former Navy vet, founded Battle Buddies and also started #AfghanEvac for similar support.
- Federal agents have detained some Afghans, but veterans think their presence can help deter such actions.
- Sayed Naser, an Afghan who worked with the U.S. military, is in detention fighting for asylum.
