U.S. repays Iraqis by supplying visas
New guidelines providing ‘haven' to more employees who aided troops.
U.S. repays Iraqis by supplying visas

By The Associated Press Comments 1
Published: July 25, 2008

BAGHDAD — The U.S. Embassy on Thursday launched an expanded immigration program that provides 5,000 more visas each year for Iraqis who have put themselves at risk by working for the U.S. government.

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From Wire Services

The new guidelines represent a 10-fold increase in the number of visas and extend the applicable categories beyond an existing program for interpreters to include all Iraqis who have worked for the U.S. government, the military or related contractors and sub-contractors.

The Bush administration has come under criticism from advocates and lawmakers for how it has dealt with Iraqi employees who have frequently been targeted by anti-U.S. insurgents seeking to derail American efforts to stabilize the country.

Richard Albright, the embassy's senior coordinator for refugee issues, called the new program "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.”

"It is a response to the view that we have special obligations to Iraqis who have been employed by us,” he added during remarks at a news conference outlining the program.

The plan is separate from a refugee program. Albright said the benefits are similar, including a loan to pay for transportation to the U.S. as well as housing and health care for up to eight months.

Who qualifies for the program?

•The special immigrant visa program applies to all Iraqis who have "worked for or on behalf of the United States government for at least 12 months” since the U.S.-led invasion on March 20, 2003, according to the guidelines.

•Applicants must prove they served the United States and have experienced serious threat as a result of that employment.

•Their spouses and unmarried minor children also can receive visas in addition to the 5,000 that will be provided annually for five years, Albright said.