Abandoned in Afghanistan: The Americans, SIV, Afghan Allies not evacuated

In their own words on Pres. Biden's withdrawal and the Taliban

The people who the U.S. abandoned in Afghanistan are trapped. They are being hunted by an evil group of Taliban that want revenge on Americans and our allies. They have no way to escape the country.

I talk, email and text with people in Afghanistan every day since I got involved on Aug. 28 with this rescue project— at the request of a retired special forces operator who wanted public awareness of the crisis in the country.

As the first month has passed, hopes of widescale rescue have dwindled. Very few people have escaped. Everyone else is in hiding, but they are running out of money for safe houses and food is more scarce. If they sleep at all, it’s during the day, so they can stay up and on guard at night when the Taliban go door to door. They are emotionally, physically and spiritually at the end of their ropes.

Many contact me and say they want to be heard. They believe they are being forgotten by the American people. So this is a platform to hear from them. I will keep updating this page with links to the stories so you can read them in one place.

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American man in the U.S, wife and baby in Afghanistan

My wife and 10m old child are stranded in Afghanistan. She was unable to make her way to the airport during the evacuation operation.

I spoke with the State Department yesterday and they told me to get a US passport for my child since she's a US citizen according to the law (INA)..how could I get a passport for her when there's no US Embassy anymore :-)

I have contacted DOD and DOS task forces but they’re of no help. I’m in a helpless situation and I’m concerned about their situation.

I’m wondering if you could help or direct me to someone who could.

Thank you,

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Christian father:

This man is a legal permanent resident who came to the United States in 2017 through the SIV program. His wife could not come because she was pregnant at that time.

Dear Emily,

I’m in the United States now living in Los Angeles but my wife and four years old daughter along with my siblings and my siblings family members are stuck in Kabul. Since 14 August, I been trying to evacuate my family members who worked along with me in the most important organizations of the U.S gov and the U.S. projects/contracts [REDACTED]

These people are in a basement in Kabul with lack of food, water, clean air, health issues, no internet access, many problems, last time when I talked to them was 4 days ago but as of now God knows in what situation are they. 

The problem is that neighboring countries have closed their border and not letting any Afghan to enter whether with a passport nor with Tazkira [Afghan identity card] and the State Department has not processed their SIV/spouse applications as they promised to speed up, I’m in touch with many SIV holders in Afghanistan that their applications are not processed either. 

Since the U.S evacuation is ended, it looks like no hope left, but when I hear about our heroes (Veterans, all those other unrecognized heroes who work privately evacuate), it gives me some hope… otherwise I feel like to die, because of how am I as a dad if I at least cannot save his own four year old kid.

I remember very well how much we were always admired and appreciated by the US military, but now that the lives of the same helpers are in danger, they are helping others instead, and those who ran to help them have been forgotten, that it is very disappointing. I salute all the Army soldiers who have not forgotten us and I know they may not be able to do anything at this time.

Our sad and true history which is fading away inside a country where there is only darkness everywhere, which was not our fault and we tried our best to build and establish a society of peace and all those things that an improved country needed. But it looks like someone has failed us. 

I have a letter from Church that certifies those members who are stuck in Kabul are Christians, but I do not want to misuse my religion at the moment. But it is crystal clear that the Taliban and insurgents and the Afghan society does not like and they do not appreciate Christianity at all, which is a very concern note at the moment that is why my families wanted me to mention to you.   

Maybe someone will find me by reading this text and help me save my beloved ones from Kabul with complete confidence and security. I know there are friends who want to evacuate privately to help their Afghan allies, so please publish it.

Abandoned in Afghanistan: U.S. Embassy in Kabul Employee

Abandoned in Afghanistan: TV News Anchor Journalist

Abandoned in Afghanistan: USAID employee cites 'moral obligation' of America

Abandoned in Afghanistan: U.S. Army Combat Interpreter

Abandoned in Afghanistan: U.S. government employee in oil and gas, shot by Taliban

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Author’s Note: My “Abandoned in Afghanistan” series is a way to hear directly from the people the U.S. left behind when we evacuated on Aug. 30. Everything you read is intended to be made public. We email or text multiple times to be sure that these stories don’t put them in more danger. I edit for length and clarity.

If you are looking for a place to ask questions and give or receive help and support, please go to this link U.S. - Afghanistan Exodus Community, which is monitored by me and American volunteers.

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