Special Immigrant Visas (SIV)

The United States’ presence in Iraq and Afghanistan has relied on the life-saving assistance of thousands of Iraqis and Afghans who put themselves in danger to serve alongside U.S. troops, diplomats, and contractors. These individuals provided indispensable linguistic, cultural, and geographic knowledge to the United States at great personal risk to themselves and their loved ones.

Since 2006, Congress has established several Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs that allow eligible applicants to resettle to safety in the United States. Nevertheless, thousands of Iraqi and Afghan allies remain trapped in legal limbo, while facing persistent threats for their collaboration with the United States. Through systemic advocacy, zealous casework, and strategic litigation, IRAP is working to ensure that the U.S. government follows through on its commitment to them.

Afghanistan Response

Visit these links to view resources and learn about IRAP’s response to the events following the withdrawal of the U.S. military from Afghanistan.

Client Story

Mohammad*, a husband and father of six, dedicated more than twelve years of his life to working with the U.S. Embassy and military in Afghanistan. He and his family were targeted by the Taliban for his service, and he applied for a Special Immigrant Visa to get to safety in the United States. Mohammad’s visa application was met with years-long delays and bureaucratic errors from the U.S. government. Tragically, these delays and errors cost Mohammad his life. After waiting more than a decade for the United States to uphold its promise to bring him to safety, Mohammad was killed by the Taliban in front of his ten year old son. Mohammad’s widow and children mourned this devastating loss, all while living in fear that they would be next.

#SaveOurAllies: Veteran Support For Local Allies

#SaveOurAllies: Dave and Fred

Fred lived in constant fear that he and his family would be murdered by the Taliban for his work as a combat interpreter with U.S. troops on over 500 missions. With the help of the U.S. soldiers he served with, Fred was able to get to safety in the United States and begin building a new life.

#SaveOurAllies: Neal and Mohammed

Too many allies – despite the United States’ promise to protect them for their service – have been threatened, attacked, tortured, and even murdered by militias like the Taliban. Veterans like former U.S. Marine Corps pilot, Neal Rickner, know that standing behind those who stood by them is not just a moral imperative, but an important national security priority.

#SaveOurAllies: Steve

Afghan and Iraqi allies who worked alongside U.S. troops have been persistently targeted with violence by militias like the Taliban and ISIS. For veterans like Steve Miska, “leave nobody behind,” is a sacred commitment that extends to the allies they forged unbreakable bonds with.

Related Litigation

View All Cases

Afghan and Iraqi Allies v. Rubio: Challenging systemic delays in deciding Special Immigrant Visa applications

IRAP filed this class action challenge to systemic delays in deciding Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications of Afghans and Iraqis whose lives are at risk because of their work supporting U.S. efforts in their home countries.

A.A. et al v. United States Department of State: Challenging the State Department’s Unlawful Denials to Afghan Asylee Family Members

IRAP filed a representing a group of individual plaintiffs seeking to halt the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Syria.

Pacito v. Trump: Challenging Trump’s suspension of USRAP

IRAP filed a class action lawsuit representing a group of individual plaintiffs and several refugee resettlement agencies seeking to halt President Trump’s Executive Order suspending refugee resettlement.

S.A.M. v. State: Challenging inadequately explained Afghan SIV eligibility denials 

IRAP filed a case on behalf of itself and five Afghan nationals who were denied access to the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program without being given the explanation required by law.

Yasini Doe v. State: Challenging the State Department’s Unlawful Policy Blocking Afghan Allies from the SIV Program Based on the…

IRAP filed a representing a group of Afghan allies challenging their COM denials based on the nature of their employer.