In 2015, we filed a lawsuit on behalf of Afghan and Iraqi IRAP clients who had been waiting in dangerous situations for months, some for over five years, for their Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). Congress made SIVs available to those whose lives are at risk because of their work supporting U.S. efforts in their home countries.
The lawsuit challenged the government’s extensive delays in deciding plaintiffs’ SIV applications despite the congressionally mandated nine-month processing timeline.
In January 2016, the court ruled in favor of IRAP’s clients, leading to a settlement in which the government agreed to finally process the pending applications. Thirteen of the clients in the case now live safely in the United States with their families.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP was co-counsel in this litigation.
Follow the Case
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January 28, 2016 | Court’s opinion denying the government’s motion to dismiss
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Resettled: Abdullah’s Story
6/20/2017
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Press Release: Federal Court Rules in Favor of Iraqi and Afghan Allies Suing U.S. Government Over Failure to Act on Visa Applications
2/16/2016
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Press Release: IRAP and Freshfields Expand Landmark Lawsuit Against Secretary of State Kerry, Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson
8/3/2015
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Press Release: IRAP and Freshfields File Landmark Lawsuit Against Secretary of State Kerry, Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson
3/11/2015
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