Ep 3. The Interpreters

In season 21 episode 3 of Independent Lens titled "The Interpreters," viewers are taken on a journey into the lives of Afghan and Iraqi interpreters who worked alongside the United States military during the wars in their respective countries. These interpreters, who were seen as essential and valuable assets to the United States military, risked their own lives and the lives of their families to provide crucial translation services during the military campaigns.

The episode brings viewers stories from three different interpreters, all of whom face unique challenges in their efforts to come to the United States and build a life after their service. The first interpreter, Najibullah, lives in hiding with his family in Afghanistan. Despite working for the U.S. military for several years and receiving threats from the Taliban, he has still not received a visa to come to the United States. His narrative is a heart-wrenching example of how difficult it can be to navigate the bureaucratic systems of immigration and the consequences of the United States government's delay in processing visas for those who served.

The second interpreter, Mujtaba, was granted asylum in the United States and has now decided to join the U.S. military. He has a deep desire to give back to the country that saved his life, and despite the challenges he faces as someone new to the U.S. military, he is determined to succeed.

The third interpreter, Phillip, has been living in the United States for several years now, and he has become an advocate for other interpreters who are still struggling to find safety. He works as an interpreter for government agencies and non-profits and is instrumental in helping other interpreters navigate the U.S. immigration system.

Throughout the episode, viewers are exposed to the difficulties and challenges faced by these interpreters, both during their service to the U.S. military and in their efforts to build new lives in the United States. The Interpreters provides an important perspective on the human cost of war and the complex nature of immigration policies. The struggles of these interpreters is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who work alongside U.S. soldiers, and the importance of honoring those commitments even after the military campaign has ended.