Bound by War: The Untold Story of an Afghan Translator’s Fight for Safety in America

How a U.S. Army Veteran and His Afghan Translator Became Family — and What Happens Next

Back in 2002, Dewey Yopp, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, was deployed to Afghanistan with a mission: to help build a new Afghan army from scratch in the chaotic early days of the war. It was the kind of assignment where every day could be your last. On his very first day, as he stepped off the plane, Yopp met Amir — an 18-year-old Afghan translator who would soon become far more than just a colleague.

Little did Yopp know then that Amir would save his life not once, but four times.

The Bond Forged Under Fire

One vivid memory Yopp shared with CBS News sticks out: during a firefight, Amir dragged him under heavy enemy fire to a medevac point. Imagine the courage and calm it took to act like that in a war zone. It wasn’t just a job; it was brotherhood. Yopp says it best: "If someone saves your life, your souls are bound together for eternity."

That kind of connection goes beyond blood. “He’s like a son to me, really,” Yopp says with emotion.

The Long Road to Safety

Fast forward to 2021, when the U.S. finally withdrew from Afghanistan. The situation on the ground became even more dangerous, especially for those like Amir who had worked closely with American forces. Yopp raced against the clock to get Amir a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) — a visa program designed to protect Afghan allies who risked their lives for the U.S. military.

But the process was slow. Amir’s real name remains hidden for safety reasons, but his story is clear. He spent years hiding, feeling abandoned and betrayed by the very country he had helped.

From Afghanistan to Kentucky — 22 Years Later

Three years after their first meeting, Amir’s visa was finally approved. He, along with his family, received green cards and resettled in Kentucky. There, after more than two decades, Amir reunited with Yopp — the man who had become family.

Now, Yopp spends a lot of his time with Amir’s kids, who affectionately call him “grandfather.” It’s a touching reminder that bonds forged in conflict can grow into something lasting and beautiful.

But the Threat of Deportation Looms

Despite Amir and his family having green cards, they live in fear. Recently, a federal appeals court refused to halt efforts from the Trump administration to end the legal status of thousands of Afghans living in the U.S. Many now face possible deportation.

Amir, as a Special Immigrant Visa recipient, should theoretically be protected. But with threats to deport green card holders as well, he and his family are far from feeling secure.

Why Amir Took the Risk

When Amir chose to work with American forces back in Afghanistan, it wasn’t just patriotism or loyalty — it was survival. Jobs were scarce, and the promise of safety abroad was a powerful motivator.

Amir told CBS News that the deal was clear: “Your family will go to America. This was promised with all who work with U.S.”

But years later, that promise seemed broken. Amir spent years in hiding, scared and feeling abandoned, until Yopp stepped in and fought to fulfill America’s pledge.

Veterans Step Up — But It’s Not Their Job

Across the U.S., countless veterans have taken it upon themselves to help their Afghan allies navigate the complicated visa process, offering support and guidance to those who once saved their lives. Yopp is one of many veterans who refuse to let these promises fall through the cracks.

Still, Amir insists it shouldn’t be on veterans to pick up where the government has failed.

The Trump Administration’s Hardline Policies

Under the Trump administration, Afghan refugees faced severe obstacles. Flights carrying Afghan allies were stopped, resettlement services were frozen, and Afghanistan was added to the travel ban list. The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Afghan refugees was also ended, leaving many in limbo.

Yopp calls this treatment of Afghan allies a “moral injury” to veterans. After all, these were the people who risked everything to help American soldiers in the war.

Is Afghanistan Really Safe to Return To?

One of the key arguments from the current administration, spearheaded by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is that Afghanistan is now safe enough for refugees to return. Amir strongly disagrees.

He points out the obvious contradiction: the U.S. government warns its own citizens not to travel to Afghanistan, issuing a “Do Not Travel” advisory, yet claims it’s safe enough for Afghan refugees to return.

“OK, if Afghanistan is safe, why are you saying to your citizens, ‘Do not go to Afghanistan?’ For me, it’s safe, but for you, it’s not safe? I’m not sure,” Amir said, highlighting the hypocrisy.

The Daily Struggle in America

Today, Amir juggles two jobs, working seven days a week to support his family. His past was only made bearable because Yopp, now retired, was sending him $500 a month — a lifeline that helped keep his family afloat.

But seeing the protections and programs disappear has been crushing. “It’s been a slap in the face, really, to see the programs that were in effect, to be taken away,” Yopp says with frustration.

A Call for Accountability

Amir’s message is simple but powerful: “Americans should not make a promise with Afghans, and now you’re making a problem for them. Then why did you make that promise?”

This isn’t just one man’s story. It’s the story of thousands of Afghans who put their faith in a promise from the U.S., only to face an uncertain and frightening future.

Key Takeaways:

• Loyalty Beyond Borders: The bond between Yopp and Amir shows how war forges lifelong connections beyond nationality.

• Promises Made, Promises Broken: Afghan allies were promised safety and resettlement in America but many feel abandoned.

• Veterans as Advocates: U.S. veterans are stepping up to help their Afghan allies but shouldn’t have to carry this burden alone.

• Political and Moral Complexities: Government policies have complicated the lives of Afghan refugees, causing distress to veterans and allies alike.

• Realities of Resettlement: Even with green cards, Afghan families face daily fears of deportation and struggle to build new lives.