Sayed Naser, an Afghan refugee who aided the U.S. military as a translator and contractor, now faces increased risk of deportation after a judge dismissed his immigration case last week in a San Diego courtroom.
Following this dismissal, Naser was switched to expedited removal proceedings, which allow for immediate deportation if he fails a credible fear interview conducted by an asylum officer while detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Currently, Naser’s attorney has indicated that despite being promised a credible fear interview, no date has yet been scheduled for this critical process.
The backdrop for Naser’s case includes a recent Supreme Court ruling that permits the Trump administration to send immigrants to third countries without providing them with the opportunity to present their fears of torture, persecution, or even death.
In his asylum application, Naser detailed the severe threats he faces in Afghanistan, including the tragic death of his brother, who was killed by the Taliban during a family wedding.
Shawn VanDiver, president of the coalition AfghanEvac, emphasized that Naser’s experience is not an isolated incident, but rather indicative of a broader trend of diminishing support for refugees under the current federal administration.
The U.S. government office dedicated to relocating at-risk Afghans for their association with the U.S., known as the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE), is facing challenges as its contact center is set to shut down at the end of July.
VanDiver voiced strong concerns, stating, “In a particularly cruel twist, thousands of Afghans who came here legally under Biden-era permissions are now being told they no longer have protection.
When they go to court, they are being told that those protections were improvidently issued.”
Assemblymember Chris Ward, representing central San Diego, publicly supported Naser during a press conference, urging ICE to release the Afghan refugee.
Ward emphasized that the “honor of what it means to be America” is at stake in this situation.
Naser entered the United States legally, initially traveling to Iran in 2023, where he acquired a humanitarian visa to Brazil and subsequently journeyed through several Latin American countries before applying for parole in the U.S. He was granted this parole in July of the previous year.
“I think what we are witnessing is unacceptable for any government, and California is not going to stand by while you rip apart our communities,” Ward declared.
“Despite our efforts, we should not be in this position in the first place.”
Naser’s situation has catalyzed the creation of a new initiative called Battle Buddies, launched by AfghanEvac last week.
This program encourages veterans to volunteer and attend public immigration hearings alongside Afghan individuals targeted by ICE.
Marine Corps combat veteran Kyleanne Hunter reported that over 235 veterans have already signed up to participate.
Hunter stated, “Battle Buddies is not a protest, but a continued commitment to the promise.
It is our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who stood with us.”
image source from：timesofsandiego
