Afghan soldier seeking US asylum hopes for ‘American dream’

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Afghan soldier seeking US asylum hopes for ‘American dream’
By Juan A. Lozano, The Associated Press
Jan 29, 10:21 AM
Abdul Wasi Safi smiles after a news conference Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Houston.
Abdul Wasi Safi smiles after a news conference Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Houston. (David J. Phillip/AP)

HOUSTON — In the months he was held in detention in Texas during his legal fight to remain in the U.S., Afghan soldier Abdul Wasi Safi thought he would eventually be returned to his home country and meet a likely death at the hands of the Taliban because of his work with the U.S. military.

But on Friday, he stood a free man, filled with hope that the help he provided the U.S. military will ultimately help him secure asylum in the U.S.

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Michael Noll Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Cpl Vic Burk SGT Charlie Lee] Sgt (Join to see) GySgt Jack Wallace SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM PV2 Larry Sellnow SPC Gary C. SPC (Join to see) Amn Dale Preisach SGT Ruben Lozada 1SG Paul Ayotte CPT Richard Trione SFC Ralph E Kelley 1SG Patrick Burke PV2 Scott Mollette SGT Gerald “Jerry” Harrell Lt Col Charlie Brown