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

Iraqi and Afghan translators may be eligible for a U.S. green card through a special program known as the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. This program was designed to provide green cards to those who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. government in Iraq and Afghanistan, such as translators, interpreters, and cultural advisors. The SIV program requires applicants to meet certain criteria before being approved for a green card. Applicants must demonstrate a close relationship with the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least 12 months, receive a favorable recommendation from their employer, and pass an extensive background check.

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 filing an I-360 petition as a Refugee/Asylee Relative for the SIV applicant, then preparing and submitting Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for the SIV applicant. The applicant will then have to attend an interview with an immigration officer and, if approved, be granted a green card.

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

Under the SIV program, Iraqi and Afghan translators must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for a green card:

1. They must have been employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least 12 months within the last three years.

2. They must have been employed in a position that has been determined to be in support of U.S. efforts in Iraq or Afghanistan.

3. They must have been employed in a position that required them to have a satisfactory level of language skills in order to communicate effectively with local nationals and government personnel in Iraq or Afghanistan.

4. They must have experienced or be experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of their employment by the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan, as determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

5. They must be otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa as provided in the Immigration and Nationality Act, and be admissible to the United States for lawful permanent residence as determined by DHS.

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

The SIV program allows eligible Iraqi and Afghan translators, who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. government, to apply for special immigrant visas (SIVs) to become permanent residents of the United States. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that they provided U.S. government service in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least one year, and they must meet other criteria such as security clearances and medical screenings. Once approved, translators can receive their visas and come to the United States or apply to adjust their status in the United States if they are already here.

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, you must submit the following documents:

• Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
• A copy of your government-issued work ID or contract
• An Affidavit of Relationship (Form I-134) from your employer verifying your employment
• Your passport and two passport photos
• Evidence of your U.S. military service or DoD contractor employment in Iraq or Afghanistan
• Evidence that you served in a capacity that provided direct support to the U.S. Armed Forces, such as translation, interpretation, cultural guidance, medical assistance, combat operational support, or related services
• Evidence demonstrating that you experienced a threat as a consequence of your service in Iraq or Afghanistan
• Evidence showing that you have been a continuous resident of Iraq or Afghanistan for at least one year before applying for the SIV program
• Two completed fingerprint cards (FD-258)
• Two completed medical forms (I-693) and evidence that you are free from communicable diseases of public health significance

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 on the number of green cards that can be issued to Iraqi and Afghan translators under the SIV program. The number of available visas is capped at 50 for Iraqis and 25 for Afghans each 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 Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Iraqi and Afghan translators does not guarantee a successful application. Each applicant’s case is individually evaluated and the visa will only be granted if all requirements are met.

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

The timeline for obtaining a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator varies, depending on a variety of factors. Generally, the process can take five months to a year or more.

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

Yes, there is a special program that provides green cards to Iraqi and Afghan translators. The program is officially known as the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters. The program grants permanent resident status to certain Iraqi and Afghan nationals who have worked on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan after March 20, 2003. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet certain criteria such as having worked for the U.S. government for at least 12 months and passing a background check.

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, often referred to as the “green card lottery,” is a United States government program that makes available 55,000 immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. This includes individuals who have served as translators for US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Individuals who are approved for the green card lottery can apply for a permanent residence 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 several other programs in the United States that provide protection to Iraqi and Afghan translators. The most well-known of these is the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which is a U.S. government program that provides special visas to Iraqis and Afghans who have worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in their home countries. Other programs include the Humanitarian Parole Program (HPP), which provides temporary protection to individuals from eligible countries; and the Direct Access Program (DAP), which helps qualified Iraqis and Afghans receive immigration benefits.

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 an Iraqi or Afghan translator when they receive their green card through the SIV program. Each applicant must apply and attend the interview alone.

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 obtained a green card through the SIV program are eligible for certain benefits, such as medical care, education, and job assistance. They are also eligible for naturalization after five years of having a permanent resident status. Additionally, they are exempt from certain restrictions on travel outside the United States that apply to other green card holders.

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 eligible for the Special Immigrant Non-minister Religious Worker Program or the EB-5 Investor Program. Other possible options include seeking a temporary worker visa or applying for asylum in the United States.

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

Yes. Iraqi and Afghan translators who receive a green card through the SIV program must reside in the United States for at least nine consecutive months within the first 24 months of receiving their green card. Additionally, they are required to inform USCIS if they change their address and must reapply for their green card after four years.

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

Yes, there are some risks associated with applying for a green card under the SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan translators. In particular, applicants may face significant delays in the adjudication of their applications, and may be required to face interviews with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers. Additionally, they may also be subjected to additional security screenings and background checks, and must meet the qualifications for the SIV program. Furthermore, applicants may be subject to long periods of separation from their families while waiting to receive their green cards.

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

It is possible to obtain a work permit before receiving a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator. The Department of Homeland Security provides work authorization for eligible applicants through the SIV program. This allows applicants to obtain a work permit to seek employment while their application is processing.

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 a green card that was issued through the SIV Program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator, individuals can submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Applicants must include proof of their service with the US Armed Forces or US Government, along with the applicable fees, and must update their biometrics if necessary.

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

There is no fee associated with applying for a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator.

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 can receive legal assistance when applying for a green card through the SIV program for an Iraqi or Afghan translator. An individual can find a lawyer or legal service provider in the United States who specializes in immigration law and SIV applications to help with their specific case.