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Transcript/ScriptPF Afghan Journalist US
HEADLINE: Journey to a better life: Afghan journalist seeks asylum in U.S.
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: 6/28/24, 3:47 pm
BYLINE: Fahim Sediqi
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Sacramento, California
VIDEOGRAPHER: Fahim Sediqi
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: JJ, Reifenrath
VIDEO SOURCE (S): Afghan Service, Nizakat Parsa, AFP, Reuters
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB _ TV _x_ RADIO _x_
TRT: 3:06
VID APPROVED BY: Baragona
VIDEO:
TYPE:
EDITOR NOTES: For VOA Press Freedom. Questions/review Jessica Jerreat, Bezhan and Roshan
((Videos Folder: https://app.frame.io/projects/ae30dd8f-b6c4-418a-b02d-530603115a58/ea2e6339-3c5b-4def-a85c-64e053c3308a
((INTRO))
Seeking more freedom and security in the U.S., many Afghans are applying for resettlement, including Nizakat Parsa. The journalist and his family embarked on a three-month journey through the Americas in search of safety. From Sacramento, California, Fahim Sediqi has the story, narrated by Elizabeth Cherneff.))
((NARRATOR)) ((VIDEO: Footage of people walking toward camera by border fence, shot of shoes))
The journey from Afghanistan to the U.S. southern border is long and treacherous. But for Afghan journalist Nizakat Parsa, the hope of a better life outweighed the risk and discomfort.
((VIDEO: New migrants getting on bus at border ))
Parsa and his family are among the latest arrivals to the border in California, after a three-month trek.
((Video: TV Show/Nat sound]] https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3145108598934703&id=100003067811079&mibextid=w8EBqM – 00:33 to 00:43))
((Mandatory Courtesy: Facebook/"Arman Shahar"/Rahe Farda))
Back in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, Parsa worked for the broadcaster Rahe Farda, hosting a politics talk show called “Arman Shahar,” or “Hope of the City.”
But when the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Parsa says, restrictions made work in the media tough.
((For radio: Parsa says as a journalist in Afghanistan, he was at risk, and he and his family weren't safe. So, they decided to come to the U.S.))
((Nizakat Parsa, Afghan Journalist (Male, Dari))) (Video#2: 00:07 to 00:15)
“As a journalist in Afghanistan, I was at risk and we did not have safety. Therefore, we decided to come to the U.S.”
((Still1:– 00:00 to 00:10)) [Photos of family and journey//
((NARRATOR))
With his wife and two children, aged 12 and 9, Parsa traveled to Iran in 2022.
((Still2:– 00:00 to 00:10))
From there, the family applied to Brazil for a humanitarian visa: one of the few places globally that offers the visa to Afghans.
((NARRATOR)) ((Video#3))
Then came the final leg of their journey: a risky route that crosses 11 countries.
((For radio: Parsa says they had seen images and documentaries that showed the bodies of travelers scattered along the way. Some had been eaten by crocodiles))
((Nizakat Parsa, Afghan Journalist (Male, Dari))) (Video#4: 01:43 to 01:55)
“We had seen the images and documentaries that showed the bodies of travelers scattered on the way. They were, for instance, eaten by crocodiles.”
((NARRATOR)) ((Video#3))
Their hope of a more secure future spurred them on. But, Parsa says, the journey – by boat and foot – seemed perilous.
((Nizakat Parsa, Afghan Journalist (Male, Dari))) (Video#2: 03:33 to 04:10)
“You had to walk through the forests on foot for at least two to four or five days, with no food or water.”
((NARRATOR))
At one point, the family was loaded onto fast-moving boats in the middle of the night.
((For radio: Parsa says they were not given safety vests, and many people were on the boats. It was very difficult. ))
((Nizakat Parsa, Afghan Journalist (Male, Dari))) (Video#2: 03:33 to 04:10)
“We did not have safety vests. The number of people on the boats was manyfold. It was very difficult."
((NARRATOR))
Reaching Mexico, Parsa scheduled an appointment via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection app, CBP One. A month later, they were allowed into the U.S.
((BROLL: Parsa with immigration lawyer))
Many Afghans seek refuge in the U.S. because of its diversity, better security and educational opportunities, says immigration consultant Hashmatullah Sidiqi
((Hashmatullah Sidiqi, Immigration Consultant (Male, English)))
[00:25] “And you better know, United States are sufficient on the values democracy and respect of human rights [00:35].”
((NARRATOR)) ((Video1 Two men sitting and talking in the office 0:22 to 0:37))
Sidiqi says the CBP One program helps Afghans like Parsa with resettlement.
((Hashmatullah Sidiqi, Immigration Consultant (Male, English)))
“They have the benefits of working authorization. They have the social (security card). They legally apply for their asylum. Based on the persecution, their asylum has been approved.” [00:58].
((NARRATION)) ((Video: Man playing with children))
Now the family are safely in the U.S., with the journey behind them, Parsa is ready for the next step: applying for asylum to ensure a secure future.
((For Fahim Sediqi in Sacramento, California, Elizabeth Cherneff, VOA News))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateJune 28, 2024 17:50 EDT
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
