An Afghan Military Interpreter Finds Footing In The U.S. Gig Economy
Ajmal Faqiri came to the U.S. on a Special Immigrant Visa after working as a interpreter and translator for the U.S. military in his home country of Afghanistan. Now, he works the gig economy.
The gig economy has been criticized for failing to provide workers the benefits and stability of full-time employment and celebrated for its ability to allow workers to supplement their income on a flexible schedule. Ajmal Faqiri, an Afghan immigrant who lives in Virginia, has experienced both types of work arrangements.
He grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan and served as translator for the U.S. military before arriving in San Francisco on a Special Immigrant Visa in 2013. Faqiri has held more than 10 jobs, and started driving for Lyft in 2015.
Faqiri, his wife and their two childrenlanguages, was offered a job as an interpreter and translator for the U.S. military in 2006.
