House Passes Fortenberry-Led Initiative for Iraqi and Afghani Translators

Washington, DC - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation, initiated by Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, by a vote of 412-8. The bill expands the availability of special immigrant visas to Iraqi and Afghani translators and interpreters who have assisted the U.S. military and government for twelve months and met certain requirements. Fortenberry released the following statement:

“Every day in Iraq and Afghanistan, American forces receive critical help from Iraqi and Afghani translators and interpreters, who face grave danger.

“It is right and just to offer refuge to those who have risked their own lives to help our troops and our nation. I am very pleased Congress has approved this measure to increase the number of those eligible to seek asylum in the United States.”

In March 2007, Congressman Fortenberry introduced legislation in the House that would increase the annual limit for these special visas from 50 to 500 for three years. The Senate version, S. 1104, as amended by the House, increases the limit from 50 to 500 for the next two years. The House considered the amended Senate version after it was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate last month.

BACKGROUND
In 2006, the Defense Department Authorization bill established a program that allows translators and interpreters who have worked for the U.S. military for at least 12 months to come to the U.S. on special visas. The program currently allows for up to 50 qualified Iraqi and Afghani translators each year. As of April 20, 2007 a total of 510 petitions for the translator special immigrant program have been received. Of these, 440 have been approved, 16 have been denied, and 54 are pending final decision. Under the current cap of 50 allowable applicants per year, it will take until approximately 2016 to admit those currently in the queue for entry into the United States.

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