04/24/2026
Thoughts from the KOP Director:
Let’s talk about English.
I often hear people question why some of our Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) families don’t speak English. Just last week, on Connections with Evan Dawson, a listener wrote in suggesting that SIVs should be required to learn English before they are allowed to come to the United States.
It’s a familiar argument, but it misses something fundamental.
I grew up in a small town surrounded by other small towns surround by families whose roots were in Italy, Poland, and Ukraine. Many of my friends’ grandmothers never spoke English. In nearby communities, Ukrainian families built lives, raised children, and contributed to society while holding onto their native language. Their grandchildren often translated for them. No one questioned whether they deserved to be here. They were simply part of the fabric of our community.
Why should it be different now?
Many of our Afghan allies did not need to speak English to serve alongside U.S. forces. They served as guards, drivers, and support staff. These are roles that required courage, loyalty, and trust. They carried weapons to protect Americans. They showed up every day knowing the risks. Others worked in our Embassy or supported operations in ways that did not require English fluency, but required integrity.
And they were trusted.
They were trusted by the United States government. Trusted by our military. Trusted enough to stand beside Americans in a war zone.
Because of that service, they are now targets. The Taliban does not care whether they speak English. To them, these men and women are traitors. Their lives are at risk not because of the language they speak—but because of the choices they made to stand with us.
So the question we should be asking is not: “Do they speak English?”
The question is: “Did they stand with us when it mattered?”
And the answer is yes.
We are not saving people because of their language skills. We are honoring a promise because of their service, their sacrifice, and their courage.
English can be learned. Safety cannot be delayed.
In solidarity with our Afghan Friends,
Ellen Smith
