ATA Urges U.S. Government to Reinstate Safe Pathways for Afghan Allies who Served Alongside U.S. Troops as Interpreters and Translators

In response to recent executive actions impacting our fellow interpreters and translators who were allies of the United States in Afghanistan, the American Translators Association has issued a statement urging President Trump, his cabinet, and members of Congress to reinstate pathways for these colleagues to seek safety in the U.S., emphasizing the important role translators and interpreters play in all sectors of society and government. ATA similarly encouraged President Biden to act in support of Afghan interpreters in 2021 and now calls upon President Trump to follow through on the nation’s promise to protect those who served alongside our troops abroad at great personal risk.

Read ATA’s Letter

Dear Mr. President, Members of Congress, Secretary Hegseth, and Secretary Rubio,

The American Translators Association (ATA) is the largest professional association of interpreters and translators in the United States, with over 8,000 members who work in over 90 languages. In 2021, ATA addressed letters to the Biden administration urging officials to swiftly evacuate the Afghan interpreters who aided American forces in the region, as the U.S. had promised. It is a promise that remains unkept.

We now strongly urge the Trump administration to prioritize support for Afghans who provided critical interpreting services to the United States, as well as their families. These individuals played an essential role in supporting American military and diplomatic efforts, often at great personal risk, and they and their families now face increased displacement, hardship, and the threat of violence and retribution. As a nation that values the contributions of those who serve alongside our troops, we must ensure these courageous individuals are not left behind.

Recent actions related to immigration have significantly impacted Afghan refugees by limiting their legal options and cutting funding for those who have recently arrived in the U.S., making it difficult for them to access essential services like housing, employment assistance, and legal support. These decisions have left many Afghan refugees facing significant barriers to moving forward and rebuilding their lives in the U.S., despite the numerous sacrifices they have made for this country.

In addition to addressing the immediate needs of Afghan refugees, we also wish to underscore the continuing, crucial role that all interpreters play in our society. From the border to our hospitals and from the courts to schools and government services, interpreters provide essential expertise and contribute to efficiency in all sectors. Qualified interpreters and translators not only aid individuals facing serious barriers to education, healthcare, legal rights, and public safety, but they also support all levels of government in all branches, from the federal court interpreter, who helps victims of violence testify at trial to bring their attackers to justice, to the U.S. Department of State’s staff interpreters, who help the president communicate and negotiate with foreign officials.

We call upon Congress and the Trump administration to keep the U.S.’s promise to Afghan interpreters by restoring support for their resettlement and to strengthen policies and funding that ensure the availability of professional interpreters and translators across all sectors. This is essential to upholding our nation’s values.

We trust that you will act swiftly to uphold America’s commitment to those who have supported us and to the continued need for access to language services for all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Geoffrey S. Koby
President, American Translators Association

View Letter