IRAP asks the US to reform the Special Immigrant Visa processing procedures for Iraqis who were employed for at least 12 months by the US government or a US government contractor.

The Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2008 laid out clear baseline procedures for Iraqis facing persecution as a result of their assistance to the United States. These refugees should expeditiously receive special visas, allowing for their safe resettlement in America. Unfortunately, the implementing agencies have failed to comply with numerous parts of the legislation. Many of the reporting requirements have gone unmet, and many additional procedural hurdles have been put in place. As a result, application processing may take years instead of weeks or months.

In the fall of 2010, IRAP was asked to participate in a series of briefings at the White House with members of the National Security Council, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense on potential reforms to the Special Immigrant Visa Process.

IRAP led a coalition of NGOs and attorneys in drafting a set of comprehensive suggested reforms to the SIV process.

Read IRAP’s Report to the White House on SIV Reforms

  Iraqi SIV Program Recommendations (3.5 MiB, 714 hits)

While several of the reforms have already been implemented, IRAP is continuing to work with the White House and the NSC to fix the Special Immigrant Visa Process for Iraqis who assisted the U.S. military in Iraq.