Iraqi Refugee Resettlement Project

The Iraqi Refugee Crisis  

When the United States military entered Iraq, we did so with virtually zero ability to interpret the local language and customs.  Throughout the years, thousands of Iraqis have stepped forward to act as interpreters, advisers and personnel security specialists for the U.S. military.  There is no doubt their work has saved many American lives.

These Iraqis have endured significant risks to their personal safety and many are now imperiled due to their affiliation with the U.S. mission.  Thousands have already been killed because of their work for us.

The bi-partisan 2008 Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act established the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program.  The SIV program authorizes 5,000 special immigrant visas annually for Iraqi nationals who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. government.

Our Refugee Resettlement Project

In June 2010, we launched a pro bono program to assist Iraqi refugees with the SIV program.  In the past few months, our program has successfully assisted many Iraqis refugees in submitting applications for the SIV program.

We continue to accept new Iraqi SIV cases.  If you need assistance with an SIV application, please email us at siv@whittfirm.com with a description of your involvement with the US government in Iraq and the threats you have experienced due to your work.

Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa – FAQS

Who can apply for an Iraqi SIV?

You can apply if you meet all of the following requirements:

1.  Must be a national of Iraq.

2.  Must have been employed by, or on behalf of the United States Government in Iraq, on or after March 20, 2003, for a period of not less than one year;

3.  Must have provided faithful and valuable service to the United States Government, which is documented in a letter of recommendation from the employee’s supervisor that is approved by the Chief of Mission (COM), as described below;

4.  Must have experienced or be experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of the employment by the United States Government, as determined through a risk assessment conducted by the Chief of Mission ;

5.  Must be able to clear a background check and appropriate screening as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security(DHS); and

6.  Must be otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and otherwise admissible to the United States for permanent residence.

What about my family? May they immigrate with me?

Spouses and unmarried children, younger than 21, may immigrate with you.

Who may submit the letter of recommendation?

The recommending supervisor should normally be the United States citizen who directly supervises you or your company.

Is there a template or format for the letter of recommendation?

There is no official template, but the letter should include:

1.  The recommending supervisor’s name, employer, job title, and email address.

2.  Name of the employee, job title, job description, dates of employment, special clearances (if applicable), and any ongoing serious threat experienced by the employee as a consequence of the employment by or on behalf of the U.S. Government.

3.  Certification that the recommending supervisor has personally met the employee.

4.  Certification that the referred applicant is personally known to the supervisor and, to the best of his or her knowledge, presents no threat to the national security or safety of the United States.

How do I demonstrate an “ongoing serious threat”?

You must submit information to demonstrate you have or are experiencing an ongoing serious threat, which may include statements from your employer, personal statements, or statements from community leaders.

What happens after I submit my documents?

The Chief of Mission SIV approval designee and staff will review your documents and evaluate and verify any information. Once approved, a Chief of Mission Approval form will be attached to the documents and you will be notified of the approval. Your documents will be returned to you via e-mail with instructions on how to send your application and Form I-360 petition to the Nebraska Service Center.

If I have already been scheduled for an interview or have been interviewed as a refugee, but am also eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa, which application should I pursue?

It is up to you to determine which route you choose to pursue. Both processes take some months to complete. Registration and application for either program is not a guarantee of eventual admission to the United States. You may pursue both applications simultaneously. The refugee and SIV programs differ in terms of process and eligibility.

Do I need a passport to travel to the US on an Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa?

Yes, you must have a passport to travel to the US on an Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa.  Only the G series Iraqi passports are valid for travel to the United States.

How can I get help with my Iraqi SIV application?

Please email us at siv@whittfirm.com for additional information on our Iraqi Refugee Resettlement Project.