They Fought for the C.I.A. in Afghanistan. In America, They’re Living in Fear.

For years, Afghan nationals risked their lives working alongside the Central Intelligence Agency in Afghanistan, conducting surveillance, protecting operatives, and gathering intelligence against Taliban forces. Their service was critical to U.S. operations, yet today, many of these former allies are living in the United States under the shadow of fear, uncertainty, and bureaucracy.
These men, often trained in paramilitary tactics and intelligence operations, were targeted by insurgents precisely because of their work with American forces. Following the fall of the Afghan government in 2021, several thousand fled the country under emergency programs, arriving in the United States with hopes of safety and stability. Instead, many describe a life marked by anxiety, isolation, and legal uncertainty.
“I fought for them,” said one former operative, who asked not to be named for security reasons. “I saved lives. I protected officers. And now, I feel like I am fighting again — for my own survival.”
Legal Limbo and Vulnerability
Unlike interpreters who worked with the U.S. military, CIA partners often lack the documentation required for visas such as the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. Many arrived on temporary humanitarian parole, which does not guarantee permanent status or lawful work. Without proper documentation, former operatives cannot secure housing easily, access benefits, or travel safely. Their families, some still overseas, remain targets for reprisal attacks by the Taliban.
Legal advocates emphasize the unique vulnerability of these individuals. “These are not ordinary refugees,” said Sarah Henderson, a human rights attorney in Virginia. “They were embedded with U.S. operations, trained to hunt insurgents. Returning them, even inadvertently, would almost certainly be fatal.”
The psychological toll is severe. Years of combat and covert operations have left many with untreated trauma, compounded by anxiety over family members left behind. The sense of isolation is intensified by the secrecy surrounding their work; they cannot publicly discuss their missions, even as they attempt to integrate into American society.
Threats Follow Them Abroad
Despite resettlement, some former operatives report being targeted online and receiving threats from Taliban sympathizers. Social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and even email have become avenues for intimidation. One man recounted receiving a message that included photos of his family in Afghanistan, warning that they would be harmed unless he ceased contact with American authorities.
“The danger never ends,” said another former operative. “You survive one war, only to fight another in a country that promised you protection.”
Government Response and Advocacy
U.S. officials acknowledge the difficulties but cite security and verification procedures as limiting factors in offering permanent solutions. Lawmakers from both parties have introduced measures to expedite visas for intelligence partners and extend protections to their families. Advocacy groups argue that failure to act not only endangers individuals but undermines America’s credibility with future allies.
In response, several non-profit organizations have begun providing legal support, mental health counseling, and community resources to help these families navigate life in the U.S. “We cannot undo the past,” said Henderson, “but we can prevent further harm by ensuring they have safety and stability.”
A Quiet Plea for Recognition
For the men who once risked everything in the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan, life in the United States is bittersweet. They are grateful to be alive, yet haunted by the consequences of their service. “We believed in a mission,” one operative said. “Now, we just want the promise kept — that the country we fought for will protect us.”
Their plight is a stark reminder of the human cost of covert operations and the long-term responsibilities that follow. These are men who fought for the U.S., yet today, in America, they are still fighting — this time for safety, recognition, and the ability to live without fear.