1. What green card options are available for Iraqi and Afghan translators?

The U.S. government created a special program for Iraqis and Afghans who have been employed by the U.S. government or U.S. contractors as translators and interpreters. This program, known as the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, provides a way for qualifying applicants to obtain permanent residence (a green card) in the United States. The SIV program includes two pathways for eligibility: Direct Access (DA) and Indirect Access (IA). Direct Access is available to applicants who worked directly for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan and can provide verification of service from their employer. Indirect Access is available to applicants who worked for a U.S.-based organization or subcontractor under a contract with the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan and can provide verification of service from their employer.

2. How can an Iraqi or Afghan translator obtain a green card through the Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program?

An Iraqi or Afghan translator can obtain a green card through the Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program by meeting the eligibility requirements and submitting an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The applicant must be a national of Iraq or Afghanistan who provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. Armed Forces, or U.S. Government, while employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001. Furthermore, the applicant must have suffered persecution or fear of persecution due to their service, and must have experienced a serious threat due to their employment. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the skills and/or qualifications that will make them employable in the United States. After submitting a complete application package, applicants can be interviewed and receive a decision in as little as six months.

3. What eligibility requirements must an Iraqi or Afghan translator meet to qualify for a green card through the SIV program?

The eligibility requirements for an Iraqi or Afghan translator to qualify for a green card through the SIV program include:

1. The individual must have been employed in Iraq or Afghanistan by or on behalf of the U.S. government for at least one year, and must be able to provide documentation of such employment;

2. The individual must have provided faithful and valuable service;

3. The individual must have experienced or is experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of that employment;

4. The individual must be admissible to the United States, with no grounds for inadmissibility; and

5. The individual must meet all other requirements specified by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

4. How does the SIV program allow Iraqi and Afghan translators to become permanent residents of the United States?

The SIV program allows Iraqi and Afghan translators to become permanent residents of the United States by providing them with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) which grant them legal status in the country. In order to be eligible for an SIV, applicants must be a national of Iraq or Afghanistan who worked with the U.S. armed forces, U.S. government agencies, or certain international organizations in those countries since at least March 20, 2003. Applicants must also meet other requirements such as passing a medical examination and background check. Those with approved SIVs can then apply for a green card to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

5. What documents are required to apply for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators?

In order to apply for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators, applicants will need to provide a variety of documents including: a signed Form DS-1884 (the I-1712 application form for Iraqi and Afghan Translators and Interpreters), proof of service with supporting documents such as a letter from an official U.S. military entity, or a letter from a U.S. government-funded agency, an official acknowledgement of service, or a certification from the Department of Defense, the Department of State, or USAID; a copy of the applicant’s passport or travel document; two passport-style photographs taken within the past six months; evidence of current employment or former employment as an interpreter or translator; medical records showing that the applicant is free from diseases of public health significance, as required by US law; and any other relevant documentation.

6. Is there a yearly quota or limit on how many green cards can be issued to Iraqi and Afghan translators under the SIV program?

Yes, there is a yearly quota for green cards issued to Iraqi and Afghan translators under the SIV Program. The quota is set at 50 individuals per fiscal year.

7. Does applying for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators guarantee a successful application?

No, applying for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators does not guarantee a successful application. An individual’s green card application is subject to the standard immigration requirements and processes, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

8. How long does it typically take to obtain a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator?

Typically, it takes an Iraqi or Afghan translator between 4 and 8 months to obtain a green card through the SIV program.

9. Are there any other special programs that provide green cards to Iraqi and Afghan translators?

Yes, there are several other special programs that provide green cards to Iraqi and Afghan translators. These include the Special Immigrant Visa Program (SIV) for Iraqis and Afghans, the Direct Access Program (DAP), the Iraqi Refugee and Special Immigrant Visa Program (SIV), and the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Program (RCI).

10. What is the Diversity Visa Lottery Program and how can it help Iraqi and Afghan translators obtain a green card?

The Diversity Visa Lottery Program (DV) is a lottery program designed by the US government to issue visas to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The DV lottery program provides an opportunity for Iraqi and Afghan translators to obtain a green card, which would allow them to live and work in the United States.

11. Are there any other programs in the United States that provide protection to Iraqi and Afghan translators?

Yes. There are a few other programs in the United States that provide protection to Iraqi and Afghan translators. These include the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) program, and the Treaty of Amity program. Additionally, some states have their own programs that provide assistance and protections for translators from Iraq and Afghanistan.

12. Do any family members typically accompany an Iraqi or Afghan translator when they receive their green card through the SIV program?

No, family members typically do not accompany Iraqi or Afghan translators when they receive their green cards through the SIV program. The translators typically receive their green cards alone and travel to the US alone or with only other translators.

13. Are there any other benefits for Iraqi and Afghan translators who obtain a green card through the SIV program?

Yes, Iraqi and Afghan translators who obtain a green card through the SIV program are eligible for certain benefits such as access to federal benefits, including Medicaid, food stamps, and other assistance programs. They may also be eligible for naturalization after becoming permanent residents. Additionally, they may be able to apply for a job with the federal government, which may open up additional benefits.

14. What happens if an Iraqi or Afghan translator has their application for a green card denied through the SIV program?

If an Iraqi or Afghan translator’s application for a green card through the SIV program is denied, they have the option of reapplying for the green card. However, if the application is denied multiple times, they may be eligible to seek assistance from an immigration attorney or through an organization that specializes in assisting with obtaining visas or green cards. Additionally, if they have experienced any harm from their service with the U.S. military, they may also be eligible for humanitarian parole or other forms of relief.

15. Are there any restrictions placed on Iraqi or Afghan translators who receive a green card through the SIV program?

Yes, there are some restrictions placed on Iraqi or Afghan translators who receive a green card through the SIV program. These restrictions include the following:

– The applicant must have been employed in Iraq or Afghanistan by the US government, a US contractor, or in a humanitarian or media organization;
– The applicant must have worked for the US government for at least one year within the last four years;
– The applicant must have provided faithful and valuable service to the US government;
– The applicant must have experienced an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of his/her employment;
– The applicant must have been cleared for access to sensitive information by the US Department of Defense or other US agencies; and
– The applicant must not have been directly or indirectly involved in any terrorist activity.

16. Are there any risks associated with applying for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators?

Yes, there are risks associated with applying for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators. These include the possibility of delays in the adjudication process due to administrative processing, potential security clearance issues, and the possibility of not being granted a green card due to ineligibility or false information provided in the application. Additionally, there is always a risk of deportation for any individual who is not legally present in the United States.

17. Is it possible to obtain a work permit before receiving a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a work permit before receiving a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows eligible applicants to apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document (EAD)) once their SIV application has been approved.

18. How does one go about renewing their green card once it expires if they received it through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator?

To renew their green card, the Iraqi or Afghan translator should file a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must submit the completed form along with the appropriate filing fee and any necessary supporting documents to USCIS. A valid passport or other government-issued photo identification may be used as proof of identity. The applicant should also include proof of their SIV status, such as a copy of their Form I-797 Notice of Action or a recent letter from the U.S. Department of State. USCIS will review the application and contact the applicant if additional information is needed. Once approved, a new green card will be mailed to the applicant’s address.

19. Are there any fees associated with applying for a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator?

Yes, there are fees associated with applying for a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator. The filing fee for the I-360 petition is $435, and the fee for the I-485 adjustment of status application is $1,140. Additionally, applicants must pay a biometrics services fee of $85.

20. Can an individual receive legal assistance when applying for a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator?

Yes, an individual may receive legal assistance when applying for a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator. A qualified attorney or accredited representative can help the applicant understand the eligibility requirements, provide guidance on the required paperwork and procedures, and represent the applicant in any related hearings.