Today’s episode features a conversation with Nasratullah Khalil. Khalil, as he prefers to be called, is an Afghan national who now lives and works in Syracuse, New York.

In August 2021, Khalil and his family were forced into hiding after the U.S. abruptly withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban took over. Since Khalil had worked for a U.S. military subcontractor, he was eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa. However, at the time that U.S. troops withdrew, his visa had not yet been granted, and thus he and his family, including four children under the age of 10, were in danger. 

Our discussion highlighted the pleasures of living in Afghanistan before the civil war broke out, the challenges of getting an education and being an adult during war, and the perils and obstacles Khalil and his family faced once they were no longer safe in Afghanistan. Khalil also underscored his children’s efforts to make sense of their fate, as the family fled their homeland, saw their savings and options dwindle, and wondered if they would be forced, for lack of options, to return to Afghanistan.

At the last possible minute, Khalil’s SIV was granted, and the family made their way to the U.S. and settled in Syracuse. Khalil now works with Interfaith Works of Central New York, helping to pave the way for other newcomers. 

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Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com.