An Afghan soldier fleeing the Taliban spent months reaching the U.S. to request asylum. He was arrested at the Texas border.

Abdul Wasi Safi stands with his hands behind his back at ease for a photo with others in his Afghan special forces unit. He wears the rank and insignia of a Dvahomi baridman, or second lieutenant.

Credit:
Courtesy of Sami-ullah Safi.

In his Houston home, Sami-ullah Safi shows a group photo from his brother’s Indian Military Academy class.

Credit:
Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

Escaping the Taliban

Surviving the Dari?n Gap

A group of migrants traversing through the Dari?n Gap with Abdul Wasi Safi rests on rocks while drying their feet.

Credit:
Courtesy of Sami-ullah Safi.

Arrested at the border

In his home in Houston, Sami-ullah Safi sorts through dozens of certificates and photos to pick up his brother’s ID card.

Credit:
Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune