My name is Sayed. I grew up in a bright, open-minded family in Afghanistan. I am married and have two children, a daughter and a son. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Afghanistan and my MSc in Japan, with over 15 years of experience in the agricultural sector. Before the collapse of Afghanistan, I worked as a wheat research specialist for a USAID-funded project called GRAIN Research and Innovation, implemented by Michigan State University.

I have always wanted to serve my people through my career—it’s what our father taught us. Life was good before the fall of Afghanistan. By July 2021, the situation was deteriorating, but I never imagined that Afghanistan would fall into Taliban hands again after almost 25 years.

At work, we had daily security updates each morning. On August 10, our security manager informed us that we needed to destroy all documents in our office. Fearful, I called my supervisor to ask what was happening. He told me the situation was not good—the Taliban were getting closer to the capital. I asked what would happen to us. He reassured me, saying, “I’m in contact with MSU, and they are working on our evacuation.”

On August 15, the capital, Kabul, fell to the Taliban. My team and I went into hiding. Finally, on August 27, with the support of Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and the U.S. Marines, we were evacuated from Kabul to Albania, where I stayed for about seven months.

On March 22, 2022, I arrived in the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome. After spending two weeks in Leesburg, Virginia, my family and I moved to San Diego, California. Like most Afghan refugees, I was required to apply for asylum, except for those with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV).

I have always wanted to volunteer in my free time and serve the community where I live. During this time, I also tried to find an Afghan community or another group where I could contribute, while also looking for someone to help me with my asylum application. One day, at the temporary housing where my family and I stayed—Extended Stay America Hotel—someone told me about a nonprofit organization called Bridge Builders. They suggested I visit, as I might find someone to help with my asylum application.

One day, after dropping my kids off at school, I took the bus and went to Bridge Builders. There, I met Mr. David Schupak, a very kind person who welcomed me warmly. After introducing myself, we became friends, and he even helped my kids with their schoolwork. Sometimes, he called me to his office to help other Afghans as a Pashto and Dari language interpreter.

One day, I shared my concerns with him about my asylum application. He then introduced me to his coworker—I don’t remember his name, but he was a very kind person. He reassured me, saying, don’t worry, I will introduce you to Ms. Morgan. She is an attorney and helped me too. That same day, May 13, 2022, he connected me with Morgan via email, and I received a kind response from her. She invited me to visit the Pathways to Citizenship office.

The next day, I went to the Pathways office. At that time, I didn’t have a car, so I took the bus. Ms. Morgan welcomed me warmly, made copies of my documents, and began the process of my asylum application. Later, she introduced me to Ms. Deidre, an attorney who volunteers with Pathways to Citizenship. She was also very kind and helpful—she even gave me a computer.

Pathways to Citizenship has been incredibly supportive, and I am deeply grateful for their assistance with my asylum application. One year after I applied for asylum, I received a call from Ms. Morgan with wonderful news—my asylum application had been granted. It was a very happy moment for me and my family. She also informed me that I would be eligible to apply for a green card the following year.

A year later, she called me again and introduced me to another incredible person, Ms. Alyssa Weeks. She is very kind and supportive and helped me with my green card application. I provided the necessary documents, and she guided me through the process.

I will never forget the support, care, and concern that Pathways to Citizenship has shown my family and me.

Thank you, Ms. Morgan, Ms. Deidre, Ms. Alyssa, and everyone at Pathways to Citizenship who has helped me directly and indirectly.