1. What green card options are available for Iraqi and Afghan translators?
Iraqi and Afghan translators who have provided faithful and valuable service in support of U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan may be eligible for a special immigration visa (SIV) through the U.S. Department of State’s Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa programs. The SIV programs provide a pathway to permanent residence in the United States and, eventually, U.S. citizenship for Afghans and Iraqis who have worked with the U.S. government or a U.S.-affiliated organization in those countries.
2. How can an Iraqi or Afghan translator obtain a green card through the Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program?
The Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program allows certain Iraqis and Afghans who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan to apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) in the United States. Translators may qualify for this program if they have worked for the U.S. government for at least 12 months since March 2003, or if they are the spouse, unmarried child under 21, or widow(er) of a translator who has been killed as a result of their service. Applicants must also pass a medical exam, background check, and other tests before being approved for the SIV program.
3. What eligibility requirements must an Iraqi or Afghan translator meet to qualify for a green card through the SIV program?
In order to be eligible for the SIV program, an Iraqi or Afghan translator must meet the following requirements:
1. Have been employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least 12 months in the 24 months prior to submitting their application;
2. Have been employed in a position that required regular and direct contact with the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. government agencies or departments, or another international organization;
3. Have been employed in a position that required them to translate and/or interpret in a language other than English;
4. Have experienced or been threatened with an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of their employment; and
5. Meet all other applicable requirements of the program, including those related to medical and security clearance checks.
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 allowing them to apply for immigrant visas. The process requires applicants to submit an application, provide proof of their service, and pass a background check. Once approved, applicants can apply to USCIS for an immigrant visa, and upon successful application, they will be granted permanent residency in the United States.
5. What documents are required to apply for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators?
To apply for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators, applicants will need to provide evidence that they are or were employed by the U.S. Government and served in Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as evidence of their military or civilian service such as a DD-214, SF-50, or LES. They will also need to provide proof of their identity and nationality (passport, birth certificate, national ID card, etc.), and a signed statement attesting to the authenticity of all documents submitted. Furthermore, applicants will need to submit fingerprints to the USCIS, and provide two passport-style photographs. If applicable, they should also include any medical documents related to their physical or mental health condition.
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 of 50 principal applicants per fiscal year for Iraqi and Afghan translators who qualify for the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. This quota is subject to change depending on the needs of the U.S. Department of State.
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. The application process is complex and must meet certain qualifications to be approved.
8. How long does it typically take to obtain a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator?
The processing time for an Iraqi or Afghan translator to obtain a green card through the SIV program can vary depending on the individual situation. Generally, it takes about 1-2 years for the entire process from start to finish.
9. Are there any other special programs that provide green cards to Iraqi and Afghan translators?
Yes, there are other special programs that provide green cards to Iraqi and Afghan translators. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program provides Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) to Iraqi and Afghan translators who assisted U.S. forces and government agencies in Iraq and Afghanistan since October 7, 2001. The SIV program for Iraq was authorized in 2008 for up to 5,000 special immigrants annually and expanded in 2009 to include Afghan translators, with a total of up to 7,500 special immigrants annually eligible for the SIV program.
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, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government program that makes a certain number of diversity visas (DVs) available each year to applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The program was created in 1990 to provide a way for people from countries that have sent few immigrants to the U.S. in the past to gain permanent resident status.
Iraqi and Afghan translators can obtain a green card through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program if they meet certain qualifications, such as being a native of Iraq or Afghanistan and having at least one year of qualifying service in support of the U.S. Armed Forces or certain U.S. government agencies. Successful applicants are then eligible to apply for permanent residence in the United States, and will be given priority consideration if they are determined to be facing active threats due to their service as a translator.
11. Are there any other programs in the United States that provide protection to Iraqi and Afghan translators?
Yes, there are several other programs in the United States that provide protection to Iraqi and Afghan translators. These include the Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Iraqi and Afghan nationals, the Humanitarian Parole Program, and the Refugee Program. Additionally, under the Lautenberg Amendment, Iraqi or Afghan nationals who have provided “faithful and valuable service” to the U.S. military may be eligible for protection in the United States.
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 do not typically accompany an Iraqi or Afghan translator when they receive their green card through the SIV program.
13. Are there any other benefits for Iraqi and Afghan translators who obtain a green card through the SIV program?
There are several other benefits that Iraqi and Afghan translators can receive by obtaining a green card through the SIV program. These include access to medical and social services, employment opportunities, the ability to travel outside of the US and back without requiring a visa, and access to educational resources. Additionally, permanent residency provides a path to naturalization and US citizenship after a certain period of time.
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 is denied through the SIV program, they may be able to appeal the denial or reapply for the green card. If their application is ultimately denied, they may still be eligible to apply for other visas, such as a tourist or student visa.
15. Are there any restrictions placed on Iraqi or Afghan translators who receive a green card through the SIV program?
Yes, translators who receive a green card through the SIV program are subject to certain restrictions. Most notably, individuals who receive an SIV cannot return to Iraq or Afghanistan for at least two years after they have been granted a green card. Additionally, if a translator has received an SIV and then leaves the United States for any reason, they must obtain a special immigrant visa in order to reenter the country.
16. Are there any risks associated with applying for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators?
Yes, there are associated risks with applying for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators. Depending on the individual’s specific circumstances, these risks may include the possibility of being targeted for retaliation by former employers or other individuals affiliated with their previous employment; the possibility of encountering difficulty in obtaining necessary documents or other evidence to prove their eligibility; and the possibility of facing difficulties due to language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliarity with US immigration laws and procedures.
17. Is it possible to obtain a work permit before receiving a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator?
No, it is not possible to obtain a work permit before receiving a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator. The SIV program requires applicants to have a valid green card in order to be eligible for a work permit.
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?
The process for renewing a green card for an individual who received it through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator is the same as for any other permanent resident. The individual must submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, either online or by mail. The form can be found on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Supporting documentation may also be required to prove identity and/or continuing eligibility.
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 Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator. Those fees include the filing fee, the biometrics fee, and the fraud prevention and detection fee.
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. It is highly recommended that individuals seek legal advice and representation from an experienced immigration attorney before submitting an SIV application. An immigration attorney will be able to review the individual’s case, provide advice on the best way to proceed, help complete the necessary paperwork, and represent the individual during any interviews or hearings.