Afghan Allies Face Danger After War's End. America Debates Its Obligations.

The Zero Units Fought for the C.I.A. in Afghanistan. In the U.S., They’re Living in Fear.

What Happened

Afghan military units that worked with the CIA during the 20-year war are now living in the United States but face ongoing threats and uncertainty about their long-term status. These "Zero Units" conducted special operations alongside American forces and were evacuated after the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Historical Context

This pattern repeats after every American military withdrawal: Vietnamese translators after 1975 (many waited decades for visas), Iraqi interpreters after 2011 (thousands still in limbo), Kurdish allies after Syria pullback in 2019. The Special Immigrant Visa program, created in 2009, has processed over 100,000 Afghan and Iraqi applications but maintains years-long backlogs. Historical precedent: After Vietnam, the U.S. eventually resettled 125,000 South Vietnamese allies, but the process took over a decade.

What's In Your Control

Whether you contact representatives about immigration policy for wartime allies. Whether you support local refugee resettlement organizations. Whether you learn about your area's Afghan refugee community and available volunteer opportunities.

Does This Require Action?

For most readers: awareness only. If you care about immigration policy or veteran issues: consider contacting representatives or supporting resettlement organizations. No need to have strong opinions about complex geopolitical situations you cannot influence.