Senator Thom Tillis Advocates for Release of Afghan Interpreter Detained by ICE

Afghan Interpreter's Detention

• 📌 Senator Thom Tillis is highlighting the case of an Afghan interpreter who served with US troops and is currently detained by ICE in California.
• 💡 The interpreter, who worked directly with US military personnel for three years and then with a contractor, fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover.
• ⚠️ His brother was murdered by the Taliban due to their association with American service members, prompting his escape.

Journey to the US and Legal Status

• ✈️ The interpreter first fled to Iran, seeking refuge, and later obtained a humanitarian visa in Brazil.
• 🇺🇸 He eventually made his way to the United States, but did so illegally, violating immigration laws.
• 📝 He reportedly used the CBP1 app to apply for asylum and was paroled under the Biden administration's parole system.
• ❓ He was also attempting to apply for a Special Immigrant Visa under the interpreter program.

Senator Tillis's Plea

• 🤝 Tillis acknowledges the interpreter violated US immigration laws but emphasizes his service alongside American soldiers, potentially saving American lives.
• ⚖️ He argues that the interpreter should not remain in detention given his past service and the dire circumstances he fled.
• 🙏 The Senator is advocating for the interpreter to be released from detention and placed into a status to determine his future, not necessarily arguing for him to remain in the US, but to be removed from ICE custody.
• 🔍 Tillis states his office will be tracking the situation closely.