Washington, DC – Nasrin cannot vote in the upcoming American elections in November, but she has an important message for the presidential candidates as a representative of Afghans like her, who fled Afghanistan when the U.S. withdrew its troops in August 2021. “I really want them to hear us, especially the voices of those who worked for the U.S.,” said Nasrin, who requested to be referred to by a pseudonym.

Friday marks three years since the last American soldiers left Afghanistan, ending a two-decade military presence that began with the overthrow of the Taliban regime in 2001. The chaotic withdrawal and the rapid restoration of Taliban power have cast long shadows over U.S. politics. The withdrawal has faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans and has become a central topic in the upcoming presidential campaign. Afghans like Nasrin point out that their perspectives in this election cycle have largely been overlooked.

“This election is not only important for America. It is also important for Afghans,” Nasrin said, adding that the election will significantly influence Afghans in the U.S. and those still in Afghanistan, especially women. The events of 2021 have involved key players in this year’s presidential election. In 2020, Republican President Donald Trump entered into a controversial agreement with the Taliban to withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan within 14 months. Trump’s successor, Democratic President Joe Biden, led a swift evacuation of American citizens, coalition allies, and many vulnerable Afghans as the deadline approached.

In the days before the Taliban took control, a bombing at the airport resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. soldiers and around 170 Afghans, serving as a reminder of the difficult circumstances surrounding the withdrawal. Investigations have criticized both Biden and Trump for the chaotic situation—Trump for entering into an agreement that favored the Taliban and Biden for not securing protections for those who worked with the U.S.

For many Afghans still in the country, unprotected victim positions present an imminent threat. Nasrin, who worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Embassy, obtained asylum in the U.S. through a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, but many others have not had such opportunities. Another evacuee, Nazanin, who also fled Kabul, has been granted asylum in the U.S., but she highlights that many other Afghans are not being heard, and that politicians do not represent their interests.

Arash Azizzada, the director of Afghans for a Better Tomorrow, emphasizes that the Afghan diaspora has been “rendered invisible” in this election cycle. Whether from the Democratic or Republican Party, he urges them to take the issue seriously and find solutions for the thousands of Afghans who fear reprisals under the Taliban.

Moreover, both Democrats and Republicans have been reluctant to highlight the 185,000 Afghans who have been relocated to the U.S. since the withdrawal, even though this could be presented as a victory for the incumbent government. Much of what candidates discuss centers around how support for Afghans can be framed as a political opportunity rather than a burden. According to Joseph Azam, a lawyer and chairman of the Afghan-American Foundation, it is crucial for candidates to understand that they have a chance to gain support from key voter groups by expanding immigration opportunities.

For Afghans in the U.S., many working within humanitarian organizations are focused on ensuring that Afghans are not sidelined in the election campaign. “We want to hear proactive support for our communities,” said immigration attorney Laila Ayub, adding that Afghans should have access to assistance in light of their situation and that candidates should appreciate Afghan culture and the challenges they face.

This election period will undoubtedly affect Afghans both at home and in the U.S.—through political promises and the concrete actions that will be initiated in the future.