A.M. is a father of 11 from Afghanistan who assisted the US military efforts at great risk to his life and safety. The Taliban targeted A.M. due to his support for the Americans, and even shot him while he was in Afghanistan. When the US government withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, they selected A.M. and his family for evacuation due to the ongoing serious threat they faced from the Taliban. Over the past 4 years, A.M. and his wife and children have been trying diligently to get lawful status in the United States.

In December, the Trump administration detained A.M. not because he had broken any law, but because they decided to interpret the immigration laws more harshly. A federal judge ordered his release. However, his family’s efforts to get permanent immigration status are not over. A.M. is still experiencing the effects of his detention. He suffers from constant nightmares, waking up every hour in fear. He cannot sleep, and his trauma continues every night. He works to support 12 of his family members, including five young children under the age of 10.

A.M. is a beloved member of his community here in Boston. Contributing to this family will help ease the financial stress that A.M. feels as the primary wage earner, as well as help pay costs associated with obtaining permanent immigration status.