2008 Press Releases
American Embassy Launches Special Immigrant Visa Program for Iraqis Who Have Worked for or on Behalf of the United States
July 24, 2008
The American Embassy today announced the launch of a special immigrant visa program for Iraqi employees who have come under threat as a consequence of their employment by or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Iraq. Authorized in June 2008 by legislation titled “Special Immigrant Status for Certain Iraqis,” it makes available 5,000 such visas each year for the next five years.
A complete description of the program, including eligibility and filing requirements, is available online at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_4172.html
“With the launch of this special immigrant program, we take a significant step toward fulfilling our obligation of providing safe haven for those brave Iraqi citizens who risked their lives in order to serve the United States and a free Iraq,” commented American Ambassador Ryan Crocker. “The tremendous sacrifices that they and their families have made deserve our recognition and support. I am pleased that this special immigrant visa program is now available to reward their loyal service to the United States.”
Principal applicants must be Iraqi nationals who have been employed in good standing by the U.S. Government, or on behalf of the U.S. Government, for at least one year after March 20, 2003. They must have experienced or be experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a result of U.S. Government employment. Approved applicants will also have cleared a security background check and be otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa to the United States. The legislation establishing this special immigrant visa program authorized resettlement benefits for visa recipients, similar to those received by refugees. These benefits include transportation (recipients sign a promissory note and must ultimately repay airfare) to the U.S. and housing, health care and access to other programs for up to eight months to help new immigrants settle in the United States.
Spouses and minor unmarried children of principal applicants are eligible for the same immigrant visa without counting toward the annual cap of 5,000 per year. Iraqis who worked for private contractors on behalf of the U.S. Government are also eligible. All applicants are strongly advised not to make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment until they have been issued a visa by the U.S. Embassy.