U.S. lawmakers extend special Iraqi visa program
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 4 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.S. lawmakers extend special Iraqi visa program, 4 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5261044514.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 04, 2013
President Barack Obama is expected to sign legislation that will provide special U.S. visas for Iraqis who risked their lives to work as translators or guides for the American military.
Lawmakers from the rival Democratic and Republican parties took a break from their dispute over government spending and voted to extend the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa program for three months.
The program had expired this week, at the start of the new fiscal year.
Upward of 2,000 visa applications from Iraqis are currently waiting for approval, and some applicants say they fear retribution from some Iraqis for having helped U.S. forces.
The program has so far allowed more than 12,000 Iraqis and family members move to the United States since 2007, according to AP.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
