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P.L. 110-36, A bill to increase the number of Iraqi and Afghani translators and interpreters who may be admitted to the United States as special immigrants (36 comments ↓)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
S. 1104 would increase the number of Iraqi and Afghani translators and interpreters who may be admitted to the United States as special immigrants.
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Visitor Comments
Ali
April 25, 2007, 7:43pm (report abuse)I am one of the translators waiting for the approval of this bill,I very hopeful that the Congress of the United States of America will act on it soon.I am confident that a speedy approval of this bill will save the lives of tens of translators across Afghanistan and Iraq.
They might just be translators,but I can assure you that they have been the heros of these war,but unfortunitly their stories go untold.
Sami
May 15, 2007, 4:02pm (report abuse)I have long been waiting for this amendment, not for me to benefit from(because I already got the approval and I am in the US) but for my buddies in Iraq, just like me, worked as translators and whose cases were approved and they're waiting for their visa interviews. I have been granted this special status but have been struggling with adjusting to permanent resident. I hope they re-enact it to those who the law doesnt allow to adjust although their cases were approved.
Velvet
May 25, 2007, 1:57pm (report abuse)I am the wife of an interpreter that has been approved for his visa and hasn't had it issued because they didn't have enough. I pray this bill will be passed so that my husband his brothers and all other interpreters that have risked their lives can come to the U.S as soon as possible.They are all heros and should be treated as such. Its not fare that they have to wait so long. I am one U.S citizen born and raised Im proud of my country and if this bill is passed I will stay proud. I believe that we should treat them with honor because after all they did choose to give up their lives to help the United States.
Farhad Abdullah
May 26, 2007, 6:00am (report abuse)I am one of the Afghan interpreters working with US forces since 2003 with alot of risks.My only request from Congress as a person who has served to help the US forces is to approve this bill to help those real and brilliant heros immigrate to US because the Afghan and Iraqi translators will not have anywhere to hide once the US forces leave these two countries. Please do these real heros a favor and give them an opportunity to be used as a good asset for Americans.
Name withheld for security
June 10, 2007, 2:39am (report abuse)I am a U.S. States Federal employee working for the United States Army in the International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. I want to bring to your attention the plight of one of our Iraqi Nationals who has worked for the Army as a translator for the past three years. She has cast her lot with the US Army, and now, for her faithfulness is a target of the insurgency. Since she has worked for the US Army, she is a marked woman, and I fear that it is only a matter of time before she will meet her fate at the hands of the insurgency. She has applied for and been accepted for the Iraqi Translator Visa program. Only 50 translators are approved for residency in the US per year. That quota has been met for this year.
Victim of Helping the US Army.
June 18, 2007, 1:39am (report abuse)The US should help us as iraqi interpreters in stead of helping those Arabs who come to the US and aid criminals in Iraq ia all aspects.
It is a matter of time that we will be killed first by the Iraqi Gov. because it gets its orders from Iran.
Help us for Christ sake and all religions.
brian
June 18, 2007, 7:37am (report abuse)this is the same language that is in PL 110-28 in section 3812. Does anyone know why this language is duplicated?
ASADULLAH NOORZAY
July 18, 2007, 12:07am (report abuse)I AM WORKING FOR US ARMY IN AFGHANISTAN SINCE 2002 WITH A LOT OF RISKS TO MY LIFE.I GOT MANY WRITTEN WARNNING FROM AL QEDA.
AND I CAN NOT QUITE MY JOB BECAUSE
THYE WILL JUST KILL ME LIKE THEY KILLED MIR ZAMAN FEW WEEKS AGO IN ZORMAT WHO WAS WORKING FOR FOB LIGHTNING FOR A LONG TIME. SO I REQUEST THE US CONGRESS TO PASS THE BILL FOR THE IMMIGRATION OF TERPS WORKING HARD AND FOR LONG TIME FOR US ARMY IN AFGHANISTAN.
Abraham
July 20, 2007, 1:53am (report abuse)I am aganist this bill, becaouse it must include every forigner Arab countries whom are helping the US troop in Iraq to have the same privillage, becaouse there are many other Arab translators from Sudan, and Jordan are working as a translators in Iraq, these induviduals have the same dengerous as Iraqi National or Afgans, Like me I have been working 3years countinualy in Iraq I can't go out from base. insurgents have may name and address. so if this privilage will include everyone whom helps US Troops in they mission in Iraq will be wise decition and protective as humanterial asset
witheld
August 13, 2007, 11:20am (report abuse)my brother in law is in Iraq after being deported from Syria where he had gone for 'safety' his life is at risk, he has worked for 3 years for the Americans in Baghdad. The US must help these people as if they are their own
Ronnei
August 15, 2007, 11:56am (report abuse)Iam one of these heroes,who tried to help his country and make it one of the developed countries,but no way in this country.It is sad to say that ,but i have to ;everybody in our country dosenot help us.So we are asking US to help us and our families.
John
October 16, 2007, 8:13am (report abuse)my name is John but this is not my full name its just my nickname . i am interpreter working for U.S.Armed forces at TF-Phoenix since 2005.i wanna go to U.S and Joint U.S.Special Forces .. our life is in danger in afghanitan so i request U.S.government to offer interpreters more Visas so that we can make a good living and serve U.S.Army
Withhold, please
November 30, 2007, 1:45pm (report abuse)I recently returned from a year tour in Iraq. I am the sponsor of two Iraqi nationals who have risked their lives to help us. They have been shot at and abducted and tortured to try to scare them out of helping the US, and other coalition forces. All these men and women want is a safe place to work and raise their families. I fail to see the difference in allowing these people to come here the same as we did with the Japanese, Koreans, Viet Namese (by the ship load), or any other peoples we have granted sanctuary and a new start in life to. Many of these people are very well educated in professional fields. They would prove to be great assets to our country and economy. I don't understand why 'we' are dragging our feet. Let's stop playing games and using these sweet people's lives as pawns in a game they cannot win without our help. We're Americans, for Heaven's sake. Let's act like it.
Ryan
December 4, 2007, 3:18am (report abuse)My NAme IS Ryan And I Am Iraqi Citizen Working With The U.S Military Since 2005 .. I See All The Special Visa Program Is Just Nothing .. America Will Pull The Troops And Say WE DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU PEOPLE BECAUSE YOU ARE IRAQIS ... This What Gonna Happen ..
About The People Who They Got There .. They Were Translating For The Genrals And Top Commanders in Iraq .. Not People Like Me The Highest Rank I Ever Translate To Is Mager ..
3 Years I Been Translating And Till Now I Haven't My Paperwork yet ...Somebody Tell Me Why ??
Please ....
mohammed
January 12, 2008, 9:11pm (report abuse)The legislation was saying :the translators and their immediate families.two of my sons were exemted from this pivilege,because they are over 21 years. Is that the way the americans protect their translators.i live now in usa and waiting my sons, whom are living in syria and under the fear of deportatioto .
Abdullah Ramzi
February 1, 2008, 2:09am (report abuse)I am an afghan interpreter working with US Army since 14 August04 to present i have recieved my visa and getting ready to fly to US but i request congress to pass this bill has as soon as possible, this figure is not enough, because right now in the camp where i work, there are more than 300 interpreters who risk their lives to help and support US Army. in my opinion they are the real heroes with untold and expressed stories.
lou
February 1, 2008, 9:17am (report abuse)this is my nick name i used to have in iraq and im iraqi citizen i worked with u.s army since 2005 and yes we risk our lives but it was worth it,, i got my papaerwork and my visa it only took me around 7 months and im in states now i just got here like 5 days ago, so i would like to say to you guys just be paitent you all guys will get it ,, and thanks for the u.s army and for the american goverment
mohammed f.
March 2, 2008, 9:49pm (report abuse)I am one of the Iraqi translators who were granted immigrant visas.Unfortunately ,the legislation was incomplete,because part of my family was granted the visas and the other part was deprived ,for the reason 0f age(0ver 21).I wonder what act could be more severe than that? This legislation should be amended to include the entire translator family.
Ehsan
April 1, 2008, 12:42pm (report abuse)I am one of the Afghan Interpreter, I have been working wiht US Armed forces since Jan-01-2003. I am extremly disapionted and lost my self. I think I have risk my life nothing. I have been trying to work on my immigration visa proces, but they are telling me that they already have more than enough application for that. Please help us we are really at risk and increase the number of visas. We have no hope to live any more.
Faheem A. Ahmady
April 25, 2008, 9:17am (report abuse)Dear all,
This is Faheem A. Ahmady from Kabul, Afghanistan. I am a translator working for the U.S. Army since 2005 currently I am serving in Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. I read the increase number of SIV for Iraqis which was a good news for me but due to U.S missiong in Afghanistan and Iraq it seems like it is unfair that we convert the number to 50 for afghans and 5000 for Iraqis for five up comming years. we take lots of risk to work bravely with the US army to contribute on operation enduring freedom and I hope that the U.S goverment helps us too. I am looking forward for an increase number of SIV for Afghans too. I will be very happy to answer any question you my come up wiht at faheemahmad_kdzprt@yahoo.com thanks the US Goverment for thier unconditional support
Victor, a terp from Ramadi, Iraq
May 5, 2008, 8:42am (report abuse)we did our part as far as assissting the Coallitons, now we are waiting the Coallitons to help us in return.Is not that our right to ask this kind of help?!!!! I wish somebody will read this and do some action!! Hope so!!!!!
dawajan
May 20, 2008, 5:19am (report abuse)I am one of the Afghan Interpreter, I have been working wiht US Armed forces since July-01-2007. I am extremly disapionted and lost my self. I think I have risk my life nothing. I have been trying to work on my immigration visa proces, but they are telling me that they already have more than enough application for that. Please help us we are really at risk and increase the number of visas. We have no hope to live any more
Mohammad Sharif, Kabul,Afghanistan
May 25, 2008, 9:32am (report abuse)i am one of the heros from Afghanistan working with the US army since Aug o5 currenlty i am deploied down range prviding service to the US army and Afghanistan people. about the the Afghan/iraqis intepreters and translators all i can say that the are the only people that fight shoulder by shoulder with the US troops they are actualy the bridge in between the US force and local nationals. in behalf of the interpreters i request from the US government that they should take care of those people that provides services to the US army and increase the number of SIV for them.
Zabit Hugigi
June 3, 2008, 11:34pm (report abuse)I am a United States Army NCO and I whole heartedly support the SIV Program. I have already sponsored 5 from Afghanistan, 2 already here and 3 more waiting for quota slots to open. I've gotten both here on the ground their green cards, SSAN, and jobs... they have since moved out of my house to make room for my next 3 and they are doing great. Most of the "TERPS" have friends who will sponsor them at their own expense (like myself) and the government need not spend anything. It's just the right thing to do for those who have helped us...
victor from Ramady, JSS Iron
June 6, 2008, 1:04pm (report abuse)what happened to the world for God's sake. Terps did what they could.we terpd were expecting more from the US govermnet who come to help iraqies stand on their feet again, but the US let us down when things getting better with them. i have already applied for a visa but nothing happen yet. it was just promises as usual.thanks for the US goverment who first lied to us and then let us down. thanks for the frustration and disappointment you have caused us!!!!!
mohammad fareed
June 7, 2008, 12:45am (report abuse)i am one of the afghan interperter working for US Aramy since 2005 i am done with my all paper works for SIV but the problem is here with me to recived the (Briged General) recommedation latter for SIV. it is very hard for all interperters to get (Briged General) recommedation latter. My only request from Congress to considar regarding this case.
fareed_mohad@hotmail.com
khan
June 7, 2008, 4:20am (report abuse)i have been working with the U.S military for over 4 years.spically in the south of afghanistan.risk my life in danger and saved the lives of many U.S armed forces in different places.the problem with the SIV is that the General's letter of recommandation for interpreter to get him to the U.S is not working for the most interpreters.they can not get that.
a (briged general) does not know how much an interpreter has risked his life for the U.S military.but a U.S army officer who goes out in different missions knows better about his interpreter to make the mission successful.being as a true friend to the U.S military i request from Congress to bring changes in SIV in case of
(Briged General's) recommedation latter.and make it easier not for afghan interpreters but also for those iraqis.i hope that a positive setp will be taken by the congress members in this regard.
fezkhan852@yahoo.com
Abo Ali
June 10, 2008, 4:57am (report abuse)I have applied for the SIV and my petition was approved at the NVC.
I sent all the required doc. to the NVC but was told to wait until visa number becomes available!!
They told me in the begining that there is a visa available for me and my family!!
Please US Gov. think twice before you take any action.
Waiting in Iraq means waiting for death.
Fareed Ahamad Ahmady
July 7, 2008, 2:52am (report abuse)I am an Afghan citizen and currently working for the US Embassy in Kabul as a Political Assistant. I worked for the US Special Forces from Jan 2002 - Dec 2003 in Kunduz. I tried applying for the SIV, but I couldn't get a recommendation letter from a General, since the units that I had worked with had gone out of country and the new Generals didn't sign a Rec letter for me as I hadn't directly worked under their command. I have directly worked under the command of LG Lloyd James Austin III. I would like to suggest LG Austin or any other General to sign me a letter of recommendation as I fell strongly deserving based on the (about) 35 operations that I joined and have done my best to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. If anyone decided to help me get a Rec letter from LG Austin or any other General then please contact me at fareed_ahmad50@yahoo.com, my application package including all other required documents are ready. - Thanks
Humayun Shinwari
July 7, 2008, 7:41am (report abuse)I’ve worked as translator with the US Army for 18 months in Afghanistan. I’ve taken active part in more than 500 combat missions; have been targeted by IEDs and continuous threats from terrorists and insurgents. Despite all those sacrifices and hardships, I couldn’t access a US Army General to obtain a Letter of Recommendation (LoR). The latest news from Iraq is that translators over there can apply for SIV even with a letter from a US Army Colonel. I wish that policy was applicable here in Afghanistan as well so that people like me could also apply for SIV with a letter from a Colonel. I request the esteemed US Congress to increase the number of Special Immigrant Visas and secondly be flexible in its condition of a LoR from a General so that people like me can also have an opportunity to end up in the land of opportunities. hshinwari@gmail.com
Tony
July 27, 2008, 10:33am (report abuse)Hello I am Tony and this is my nick name not my complete name I have been working for US Army since May/05 and I have applied for Immigration Status and I am scared that I may not even make it in 09 to fly US.Therefor I request from the congress of United State's of America to increase the numbers of Afghan Translator/Interpreter for this process.
For those who have working more than 36 months for those who realy risked their lives helping US Army that I am one of them.
Thanks from your kind to pay attention.MHK_Tony1987@yahoo.com
jackson(BAN)
September 23, 2008, 2:53pm (report abuse)I am jackson and i am working whit the US most important Army (Special Forces) since 2006 and my life is in risk here if the USA Army leave the country, my request from american congress is to pass the bill as soon as they can, i believe that the interpreters in afghanistan and iraq are the real heros, not only working as interpreters but also taking part in combates aganist the terrorism and in battle fields sholder by shoulder whit thier American friends.
Qadir Osmani
September 28, 2008, 10:28am (report abuse)Hi
I am an Afghan Translator for the U.S. Army. I request the U.S Gove to increase the number of Visas for Afghan empolyee and change General requirement to a Colonel
thanks
Q O
O. Abdulla Ahmed
November 11, 2008, 4:28am (report abuse)I served in one of US company (Fluor LLC) for around two years, this company has built a valuable project in Kurdistan-Iraq (KRG). the same time USG is ready to accept the whole local staff to be resettled in the US, this is great decision ever been done by the USG.We as a Kurd owe to the US too much and wish someday to be a US citizen and give a nice serve to this country. US government helps everyone who consider his/her as a friend to USG. But the Terrorist and extreme people or who are still live in ignorance want to clash against the sun.
O. A.A
Johny5
November 18, 2008, 11:51am (report abuse)Mohammad Fahim afghan interpreter who worked with US army Red falcon team since 2005 for a year,all the comments above are true but i cant say anything cause now i am person who doesnt have a life and a future or any job cause i left US army after i saw the bad situation and conditions happening with us and there were no future of it except loosing our lifes, even we accepted that too but we thought there would be a chance in the future to be with them to get promoted but anyways i lost ma friends there whom i saw them by my eyes dying infront of me and i couldnt do anything so its tough and you never know what happens,life is a risk but hoping for the best always ,and i am also one of the guys who got proove of working with army with pics and certificates but no chance for us cause i heard they wont issue visa till you dont have a big reference or any how thats all nothing to say just PEACE. fahim_janee2005@yahoo.com
JAN
December 11, 2008, 5:41am (report abuse)Abid afghan interpreter.I've been working with US army for more then 3 years.my job's risked my life and my family's as well we've done alot for the US army and those poeple who we've worked with know that what we have done for our country and how much we've contributed to their missions.if some one really cares in congress we ask him to pass the bill and fight for it.
thanks