02/15/2026
Full video caption :
Zia Ghafoori is notably recognized as the Co-Founder & CEO of the Interpreting Freedom Foundation and a former Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipient, having served as an interpreter and cultural advisor for U.S. Special Forces. Alongside him on the panel were:
Catalina Gasper: Retired Commander, U.S. Navy.
Jessica Bradley Rushing: Chief of Staff at AfghanEvac.
Kyleanne Hunter, Ph.D.: CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
Purpose of the Hearing
The closure of pathways for Afghan allies to relocate to the U.S.
The emotional and social repercussions for Afghan families left behind.
Testimonies that emphasize the urgent need for support and recognition of sacrifices made by Afghan interpreters and their families.
This shadow hearing highlighted the continuing issues regarding the treatment of Afghan allies and aimed to encourage legislative action in support of those individuals who have faced dire circumstances following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Zia Ghafoori did not explicitly endorse or support any political party, whether Democrats or Republicans. Instead, his focus was primarily on advocating for the Afghan allies who were left vulnerable following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
**Bipartisan Attention**:
Ghafoori's concerns about the treatment of Afghan allies resonated across party lines, potentially appealing to both Democratic and Republican members of Congress.
**Focus on Humanitarian Issues**:
His statements were largely centered on humanitarian issues, accountability for decisions made during the withdrawal, and the need to protect Afghan allies, rather than partisan politics.
**Emphasis on Advocacy**:
Ghafoori's testimonies aimed to bring attention to the plight of those who supported U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, urging actionable support from lawmakers irrespective of party affiliation.
For those interested in viewing the full hearing, it is available for streaming [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAhOq6MeeXc).
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