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He Risked Everything for the United States—Then Faced Deportation

Global Refuge Staff

May 15, 2025

Mohammad survived torture by the Taliban for working with a U.S. military contractor in Afghanistan. When he arrived in the United States, he hoped he had finally found safety. But instead of protection, he faced the threat of being deported back to the country he barely escaped with his life.

Like so many Afghan allies, Mohammad encountered one legal obstacle after another, starting with his application for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)—a pathway specifically designed for people like him—being denied. But thanks to the Global Refuge legal services team, Mohammad was prepared to fight.

When his SIV was denied, our legal team helped him appeal the decision. When he applied for asylum, we secured a mental health evaluation to make a compelling case for approval. And when he didn’t understand his rights, we advised him on immigration laws and federal policies.

“We are honored to stand beside him in his ongoing journey toward permanent protection,” said Jill Marie Bussey, Director of Legal Affairs at Global Refuge.

That support paid off—Mohammad’s SIV case has now been approved and, for now, he is safe.

Mohammad dreams of earning a law degree and helping others who find themselves in the same situation he once did.

“God willing, I will try to make that happen,” he says.

But thousands of others may not be so fortunate. Just this week, the U.S. government announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan allies is ending. Without it, many could lose their right to remain in the U.S., even if returning to Afghanistan could put their lives at risk.

Just this week, we released an action alert calling upon members of Congress to speak out against the recission of TPS. We invite you to sign it here.

Global Refuge is committed to standing with Afghan families whose safety is now in jeopardy. We are working to expand access to legal services so others, like Mohammad, have a chance at a stable future. Join us.

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