They Came To The U.S. As Afghan Refugees. Now They Hope Their Story Will Help Others

Scenes of violence in Afghanistan triggered painful memories for Hossein Mahrammi and his wife, Razia Mahrami, refugees living in the U.S. He sees the hope of a democratic, peaceful Afghanistan vanishing as the Taliban take over the country and the future of family and friends there uncertain. The couple know all too well the hardships that await the thousands of refugees fleeing.

"What we are watching in the news is real to us," Mahrammi says referring to the gruesome scenes of people desperately trying to leave his home country and the massive attack at the Kabul Airport.

The rapid withdrawal of Americanbrings out a mixture of feelings, the couple say — pain, helplessness, stress, anxiety. They worry to death about those trapped in their country and at times they feel guilty because they are safe here in America — Mahrammi says he often asks himself, "Why am I here?" while Mahrami nods in agreement.