Know Your Neighbors

The U.S. State Department’s “Special Immigrant Visa” program is designed for the brave men (and some women) who provided critical support to U.S. military forces during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Immigrants who arrive under this program are referred to as “SIVs,” and they (like refugees) must endure a lengthy and thorough vetting process prior to entry in the United States. Because of their commitment to the U.S. in Afghanistan/Iraq war zones, SIV neighbors and their families are not safe in their native country. Though deserving of the same honor and respect bestowed upon U.S. soldiers, SIVs are often the recipients of overt racism and harassment in Charlottesville.

Despite promises made to them by the United States, only a small percentage of SIVs have been granted entry to the land they fought to protect. There are over 200 of these brave Afghan and Iraqi natives who live as our neighbors in Charlottesville, VA. Though grateful and fortunate to be here, most find themselves living in poverty and struggling to pursue their American Dream.

For more information about SIVs, please visit these helpful links:

• They risked their lives to help U.S. troops. Now they’re driving for Lyft to get by. 

• No One Left Behind: Advocating for refugees who served the US military

• ‘I Was Supposed To Die In Afghanistan’: Troops Recount Their Efforts To Save Interpreters Left In War’s Breach

• McCain to 'Shame' Senators Over Afghan, Iraqi Visas

• The Tragic Fate of the Afghan Interpreters the U.S. Left Behind