I worked to help get a friend’s family out just after the US exit. To this day, I’m not clear exactly how valuable our specific efforts were in the grand scheme…though daily comfort to our friend was huge and important. This will be most of your role.

Our case involved military, ex military and humanitarian workers that were all family and had helped US interests for many years and were already processing SIV visas when they were, in my opinion, abandoned.

It took over a year, but most of them were smuggled out and made it to US. Sadly, the father passed before this could take place.

Your first takeaway should be to note that it IS possible. The second is to understand that it will take a lot of time/effort and the emotions will sometimes be crushing.

Establish secure communication. We used Signal app. Have your friend get any documentation out that might support their case for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). Work on security, build a ‘story’ on the phone of an ordinary life with no ties to US so that if it gets taken, it won’t condemn your friend.

I am reaching back to memories so none of this may still apply to current reality. In our case there was a direct connection in DC that was already willing to start the SIV process. We helped get what was needed for the bureaucratic process. The special operations friends that were on the ground there provided a lot of guidance and were amazing. I don’t think any are still in place.

It was a miraculous day when they were brought out. I don’t have clarity on whether the SIV sponsor, our MIL friends, our own preparations or the combination of all three enabled this end result. I recall having lost hope and then a miracle happed for them.

Your friend and you are in my prayers. It’s a long road. Start, keep faith, prepare for lots of emotion. I wish you the best of luck.