Mr. Nangeyali’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community.

In August 2021, he was forced to flee Afghanistan, leaving behind his wife, two young children, and elderly parents. As a former high-ranking officer in the Afghan Special Forces, he had spent years serving his country, but the tragic collapse of the Afghan government left him with no choice but to start over in the United States.
With courage and determination, he faced an uncertain future. With the support of the International Service Center (ISC), his journey is a powerful example of how compassion and effective resettlement programs can transform lives.

After arriving in the U.S. and going through a rigorous security vetting process at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, Mr. Nangeyali was resettled in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in late 2021 under the care of our organization. All the essential support services were immediately provided to him by our Afghan team to help rebuild his life. After welcoming him at the airport on a freezing winter night, the team immediately secured safe and stable housing for him, offering a foundation to heal from the trauma of displacement and start anew. They worked tirelessly to guide him through the complex processes of resettlement. From obtaining his Social Security Number and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to arranging health screenings, they ensured every detail was handled with care. These efforts empowered Mr. Nangeyali to regain control of his life and take steps toward independence.

A key milestone in his journey was finding employment, and our Afghan team played an essential role in helping him achieve this goal. Through their guidance, Mr. Nangeyali was placed in a job at D.B. Schenker, a leading freight forwarding company in Carlisle. This job was more than just a source of income—it enabled him to support his family back in Afghanistan, even from thousands of miles away. His ability to provide for his loved ones is a testament to his determination and sense of responsibility, with our unwavering support making it possible.

Mr. Nangeyali’s background as an Afghan military officer speaks to his discipline, leadership, and resilience—qualities that have been vital in adapting to his new life. His commitment to his family and his drive to create a brighter future have been the guiding forces behind his success. While we provided the backbone of his resettlement, the kindness of the Carlisle community added a crucial layer of support. A particularly touching moment came when a neighbor gifted him a bicycle to help with his daily commute to work. This simple act of generosity not only eased his transportation challenge—a 20-minute bicycle ride to and from work each day—but also showed the warmth and solidarity of his new community.

From supportive coworkers to friendly neighbors, the welcoming spirit of Carlisle has helped Mr. Nangeyali feel at home. In addition to this, ISC’s American volunteers in Carlisle have encouraged and facilitated his pursuit of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to enhance his earning potential. With our emergency support to cover his apartment rental for three months, Mr. Nangeyali enrolled in a CDL training program an hour away from his home. In a remarkably short time, he earned his CDL license. Mr. Nangeyali soon transitioned to a new career as a Commercial Truck Driver, demonstrating his determination to build a better future.

Additionally, the team provided comprehensive assistance with various immigration proceedings. They assisted with employment authorization renewals, corrections to his EADs, and translating important documents into Dari, ensuring every aspect of his immigration process was seamless. Their proactive communication kept him informed about various U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updates and asylum interview processes, empowering him to navigate the legal system with confidence. They helped him file his Family Reunification Application Form—a critical step that allowed him to bring his wife and two young children from Afghanistan to Carlisle in record time. In preparation for their future reunification, Mr. Nangeyali has been living frugally in his truck to save money for their first family home, to be selected by his wife when she arrives in Carlisle. After eight months of anticipation, Mr. Nangeyali’s asylum application was approved, paving the way for his family’s reunification.

Finally, on October 25, 2024, his wife and two young children arrived in the U.S., marking the happiest day of Mr. Nangeyali’s life. Now, the family resides happily in Carlisle, embraced by the local Afghan community and their American neighbors, with Mrs. Nangeyali expecting their third baby.

Mr. Nangeyali’s life is a testament to resilience and the power of community support. With his family finally reunited, Mr. Nangeyali is building a stable and fulfilling life in Carlisle. He holds a steady job, lives in a safe home, and has become an active and valued member of his community. Mr. Nangeyali credits his success to ISC’s comprehensive resettlement services, the Pennsylvania Refugee Resettlement Program, and especially the Carlisle community. He is deeply grateful for the compassion and support he received and is determined to continue providing for his family, advancing in his career, and giving back to the community that warmly welcomed him.