Lawmakers Demand Release of Afghan Interpreter Detained After Visa Appointment
Lawmakers are urging the release of an Afghan interpreter who assisted US forces during the war in Afghanistan after he was detained by immigration officers following a scheduled green card appointment.
The interpreter, referred to as Zia for his and his family’s safety, worked alongside American troops for approximately five years before fleeing Afghanistan when the Taliban reclaimed control in 2021.
Zia entered the US legally in October 2024 through JFK airport under humanitarian parole and with an approved Special Immigrant Visa. However, immigration authorities detained him last week after a routine biometrics appointment in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Initially held in Connecticut, Zia was later moved to a detention center in Plymouth, Massachusetts. His legal representative, Lauren Petersen, stated during a press briefing on Tuesday:
"Zia has done everything right. He’s followed the rules. He has no criminal history."
Zia is currently facing expedited removal proceedings. Officials claim he is being investigated for a "serious criminal allegation," adding that he will have the opportunity to present his case before a judge. While a court has temporarily halted his deportation, he remains in custody.
Petersen emphasized Zia’s fear of being sent back to Afghanistan: "Following the rules is supposed to protect you. It’s not supposed to land you in detention. If he is deported, as many have pointed out, he faces death."
During the briefing, Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal described the detention of Afghan allies as "a violation of basic trust" and promised to advocate for Zia’s release.
"What happened to him is an abhorrent violation of basic decency. To seize someone without warning, legal counsel, or even clarity on who is detaining them is unacceptable," Blumenthal said.
Connecticut Representative Jahana Hayes added that Zia’s family reached out to her directly, uncertain of his location after his arrest.
"Our credibility is at stake. These individuals and their families have sacrificed everything, putting themselves at risk to support American efforts. This betrayal is devastating," Hayes stated.
Massachusetts Representative Bill Keating emphasized that Zia’s case reflects a larger issue: "This isn’t about one person. It’s about thousands."
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