1. A US Marine just told an interpreter who was badly injured by an IED working with US forces in #Afghanistan that it’s green card holders and US passports only. He has all the paperwork with him for his SIV application and letters from his employer and former US commander...
2. This man’a story is important because it represents so many others. He has been waiting for an SIV for several years - he struggled initially to find and contact his former US commanding officer and finally did recently and for the letter of recommendation....
3. When the #Biden admin and State Dept announced in July that those with SIV applications in process - not being issues because of the backlog and the Embassy being closed for COVID - would be evacuated to a third location, this man was relieved. He thought that would happen..
4. That is partly why so many are rushing to airport. Mixed messages on what ‘we will get people out’ means. Those w SIV applications in thought they would be flown out, and recent widening of criteria of US refugee program offered hope to people in diplomatic NGO, media circles
5. SIV applicants are some of THE MOST at risk of #Taliban reprisal killings. Argument to be made that others who worked w US orgs and people may be in less mortal danger and that former battlefield allies should be prioritized. Tragically, it’s too late to prioritize anyone now.
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