Left Behind

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on March 11, 2006. It was updated on Aug. 15, 2007.

When U.S. troops invaded Iraq, they had a major handicap - they didn't speak the language. There would have been no progress, and likely more American dead, had it not been for Iraqi citizens who volunteered to serve our armed forces as translators.

Many thousands of Iraqis believed in the cause. They signed on as drivers, construction workers and office workers. But now they and their families are being hunted down by insurgents bent on killing them for collaborating. No wonder many are fleeing Iraq, desperate for asylum. But as they appeal to the U.S., many feel they're being left behind.

As correspondent Scott Pelley reports, they're finding that America, which was so eager for their help in the beginning, is not so eager to save them now.

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"I lost everything. I lost my country, I can not stay there, anymore, and I lost all my friends. I can't see them, I lost my family, and I feel like a prisoner," says a man, who 60 Minutes will identify as "Rami."

Rami used to be a translator for U.S. forces; he's now in hiding in Syria, and for the interview with Pelley, he insisted on wearing a disguise to protect his family still in Iraq.

Three years ago, Rami worked side-by-side with American soldiers in a guard tower on a U.S. Base. Then, the insurgents figured out he was working for America. "They called my … at my house and say that 'We're going to kill you if you…because of your involvement with Americans,'" Rami recalls.

At first, Rami says he didn't care. "But, then they said that 'We're going to hurt your family.'" Rami says he went to the American soldiers and asked for protection but says that request was turned down. "So, I felt like I was left alone without any protection," he recalls.

Asked what he did at that point, Rami says, "Well, I had to quit. I felt like I was abandoned.

"He has no life. He's hiding all the time," says Private Joe Seemiller, who was Rami's American partner in the guard tower. When they first met, Seemiller says he didn't know whether he could trust Rami, but says that over time, they became "pretty good friends," not just co-workers.

Asked if he thinks of Rami in the same category as an American soldier, Seemiller says, "Absolutely. He gave up his entire life for this country. And now he's stuck. And there's no one to help him. And we owe him whatever service we can provide to make him safe."

What do we owe him?

Says Seemiller, "Bring him here. Bring him home. He can stay at my apartment. I got a spare bed for him."


No one knows the work of the Iraqi allies better than retired Major General Paul Eaton. He was in charge of training the Iraqi army in 2003 and 2004. "I have no doubt that the translators have saved a great number of American lives," he tells Pelley.

And Eaton believes America owes them the same.

"Do you think it is politically impossible to open the doors to immigration to Iraqis because it's an admission that the war has not gone well?" Pelley asks.

"The war is not going well. Everybody knows it. The president of the United States and our Congress need to admit that a population is at risk. At risk because they have thrown their lot in with us," Eaton says.

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[janessa9]

I totally agree with ICWright12''s comment posted today Sept. 2, 2007 regarding Scott Pelley. It was a terrible interview. He was so accusatory. Who does he think he is? Thank God we have Marines like Sgt. Frank Wooldridge (sp).

[Lawson Wright]

Where in hell did Scott Pele (sp) get the permission to accuse an American for doing his duty? What do you think we did in WW-2, on every point we didn''t HESITATE. He should have to serve 2 yrs. in IRAQ !!!!!!!!!

[sms8755]

I am willing to help. My home is open to provide a place for these refugees to come. If someone reads this who can direct me to the right place, I would be happy to provide a place.

[kwinckler]

While the Iraqi translators who sided with the US forces need to be protected, the answer is not to send them to America. They are exactly the people who need to stay in Iraq to promote the values that we have been fighting for. If they all come to the US, who will be left in Iraq except those that want to spread the extremist religious views. Set up a "Green Zone" for them and let the Iraqi military protect them.

[omajoyce-2009]

I understand the sense of abandonment that Rami and others like him must feel; but, when they are members of a religion that''s main tennant is to kill all non-believers, I fear them. This is NOT the same as Vietnam. Their religion is their law and they cannot swear allegiance to our nation, our flag and our laws without violating their religion. Their conflict would be bad for us and them.

Muslims have been fighting a religious war in the Middle East for over 2,000 years, with no resolution and continuous conflict. I prefer it stay in the Middle East. Yes, it is selfish; but, we do not need to import more separatism.

I believe the US does owe these persons and their family some resolution to their problems, but it is not relocation to the US. Dare I say it, compensation to live in another Muslim nation, until and when the situation in Iraq is resolved (if ever it can be resolved?) would not be out of the question - yes I would be willing to pay the taxes to support such a retirement. I have a great concern for my family, country, friends, and neighbors that we are asking for additional trouble to bring these persons with such a strong religious affiliation into this country. How can these people practice their religion here and not practice acts against our nation''s people and national interests?

[r0721743]

So "Rami" and thousands of other Iraqis are being hunted by the insurgents and want the U.S. to rescue them. Why don''t they join the Iraqi military and fight for this cause they supposedly believe in? "Rami" and his companions made a well paying choice to fight for the cause, unlike the American troops dying in Iraq daily.

[kelly_a76]

I work as the director of a refugee resettlement office and I am beginning to hear more and more of these stories. I am contacted daily by family members who have loved ones in Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Indonesia as well as many who are still in Iraq and therefore are not considered refugees according to the UNHCR. More shocking still is that immigration has created a "special immigrant visa" for several hundred Iraqis who worked closely with the US government. However, that status will not necesarily confer any benefits that refugees ordinarily get such as cultural orientation, food stamps, cash assistance during the initial months, medicaid, employment assistance and general guidance from an agency like the one I work with. It is simply a disgrace.

[truthspeake2]

Their first lesson in "Democracy"...Hypocracy!

[kathygei]

This story really tugged at my heart. Isn''t there someone we could write to and show some public outcry? We must help these translators we have abandoned.

[mc_trump]

they brought in 150,000 boat people from vietnam it was the right thing to do then as it is now, and if you are worried about the cheap labor then just deport that many illegal mexicans what have they ever done to help our country.