Afghan Refugees

Gritty images of an Afghan refugee document how thugs shattered his dreams

Faisal Razmal, right, holds a knife confiscated while on security rounds of three complexes including Skyview VIlla Apartments with Alal Ghupam-Ali, left. Razmal and his Afghan friend, who also has Special Immigrant Visa status, worked together on the night shift because they thought it was too dangerous to work alone. The apartment complex has since canceled that security contract. Razmal has tried washing dishes and cars and worked as a gas station janitor.
Faisal Razmal, right, holds a knife confiscated while on security rounds of three complexes including Skyview VIlla Apartments with Alal Ghupam-Ali, left. Razmal and his Afghan friend, who also has Special Immigrant Visa status, worked together on the night shift because they thought it was too dangerous to work alone. The apartment complex has since canceled that security contract. Razmal has tried washing dishes and cars and worked as a gas station janitor. Renée C. Byer rbyer@sacbee.com

Faisal Razmal, 28, served alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan as an interpreter, facing death before coming here for a better life. “It was my dream to be in a safe place,” he said. “... But what happened here is more than everything I faced in Afghanistan.” On Aug. 2, 2015, he returned to his  home at the Skyview Villa Apartments from his job as a security guard. He and fellow Afghans were accosted by teens. One fired a flare gun, leaving Razmal blind in one eye and with a different view of his new life.

This story was originally published June 25, 2016 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Gritty images of an Afghan refugee document how thugs shattered his dreams."

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW