Throughout America's War on Terror, local interpreters played an indespensable role in intelligence gathering, troop education, and combat operations. In fact, many "terps" saw more combat than the majority of American soldiers. And yet, the service and sacrifice of the post-war interpreter has largely gone unaddressed in the US and their roles are unknown to the American public. Many "terps" face serious threats to their families and personal security at home, and significant obstacles to receiving US government immigration assistance. Despite exisiting federal legislation, only a fraction of special immigrant visas have been issued to former interpreters. What risks does this pose to American's future security by not fulfilling these obligations? How do we help those who helped our troops? A panel discussion will address these issues featuring:
Becca Heller, Director and Cofounder, Iraq Refugee Assistance Project
Erik Malmstrom, Former Infantry Office, US Army, and Business Development Manager, Cargill
Khalilullah Farshad Yewazi, Former Interpreter, US Army
This event is sponsored by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and presented by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, IRAP, and Pritzker Military Museum & Library.
Please RSVP to aedwards@thechicagocouncil.org