Help Ajmal Rebuild His Life in the US

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Hi, my name is Danny Markus and I am fundraising for Ajmal Nuristani, my friend and former Interpreter.

 

Ajmal, 39 years old, worked for the US Government as an Interpreter and Agricultural Advisor from 2008 through 2011 and played a key role in the initiation and successful completion of nearly $1 million in US funded projects in his Province of Nuristan. Insurgent groups target Afghans who are known to work with the US, and Ajmal's life was indeed in jeopardy because of his decision to support the on-going US mission in Afghanistan.

 

The Special Immigration Visa (SIV) process is designed to bring our allies to safety and entitle people like Ajmal to immigrate and live in the United States. I have worked with Ajmal for over seven years to bring him and his family to the United States, to no avail.

 

As the world watched a country fall, riveted to its screens, Ajmal was there, amidst the chaos, confusion, and danger. Fortunately, he escaped on one of the last flights out of Kabul, though his wife and five children remain behind.

 

Kabul Airport Explosion: Thursday, August 26th. Ajmal was at the Airport.

 

Depart Kabul Airport: Saturday, August 28th. Wife and 5 children (ages new born to 8 years old) are still in Afghanistan.

 

Arrive Fort Dix, New Jersey: Monday, August 30th. "Processing" took nine weeks.

 

Arrive Indianapolis: Saturday, November 6th. Mistakingly sent to Indiana instead of South Carolina.

 

Arrive Update South Carolina: Wednesday, December 8th. I pick Ajmal up in Greenville.

 

As Ajmal settles into his new life in the Update, the warmth and generosity of many local residents have helped him keep his spirits high. Having held, most recently, high level positions with the former Afghan government (he also holds a Master's Degree from the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology in India), his employment prospects are promising.

 

At the moment, however, Ajmal faces a serious financial challenge. His Azizi Bank account in Afghanistan is not releasing money to its customers. The bank, literally, does not have the cash to do so, not just for Ajmal, but for all its customers. Whether that will someday change is not known, but Ajmal needs money to sustain him until he secures a job and has a steady income. Purchasing a used car to commute to future work is a priority. He also needs money to send to his family in Afghanistan. Any help you may offer is most appreciated.

 

Since Ajmal is still waiting for a social security number and cannot be established as the direct GoFundMe beneficiary, any funds donated to this fundraiser will go directly to me and will be promptly paid to Ajmal.

 

I pick Ajmal up at Greenville airport.

 

 

Ajmal with 4 of his children, who remain behind in Kabul.

 

 

Ajmal and me, 2021.

 

Ajmal and me in Afghanistan, 2008-2011.