U.S. veteran fights for Afghans left behind after American withdrawal

In 2002, Dewey Yopp, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, was deployed to Afghanistan to assist in training a new Afghan army during the early stages of the war. It was during this time that he met Amir, an 18-year-old translator who would later save Yopp's life four times in dangerous situations. One crucial moment involved Amir dragging Yopp to safety under enemy fire to a medevac point. After the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, Yopp sought to honor the promise made to Amir for risking his life by helping him obtain a special immigrant visa, which took three years to secure. Upon approval, Amir and his family were granted green cards, and Yopp now feels a familial bond with Amir's children, who affectionately call him 'grandfather.' Despite having green cards, Amir lives with the fear of deportation due to U.S. government threats towards green card holders. He believes that the promise made to him, which assured safety and a new life in America, has been broken. Amir expressed feelings of betrayal and went into hiding after his service, grappling with the consequences of his decision to assist U.S. forces. Yopp, recognizing the moral obligation to support his Afghan allies, has taken it upon himself to help not only Amir but also other veterans who are striving to bring their translators and allies to safety in the U.S. The situation becomes even more troubling with the Biden administration's attempts to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program as the White House claims that Afghanistan is safe for returnees. Amir contests this assertion, pointing out that the U.S. State Department is advising its citizens against traveling to Afghanistan. He questions the reliability of the claim that Afghanistan is safe while at the same time, U.S. officials urge Americans not to travel there. Amir heavily relied on the financial support from Yopp during his years of hiding in Afghanistan, receiving $500 a month from the retired officer. This assistance was crucial in aiding his survival during periods of great uncertainty and fear. Yopp describes the situation of Afghan allies as a 'moral injury' to veterans who witnessed their sacrifice and now see them facing potential deportation and insecurity. The outcry from veterans regarding the plight of their Afghan allies highlights a widespread concern about the treatment of individuals who supported U.S. efforts during the war.