A report in Foreign Policy explores the bureaucratic delays currently hindering Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their consequences. Significant obstacles bar eligible candidates from obtaining visas, including the State Department’s decision to only conduct visa interviews in Baghdad, where applicants cannot safely travel. According to the report, the failings of the SIV programs not only place US allies in grave danger, but also undermine the legitimacy of American rhetoric on freedom and democracy. With the rise of the Islamic State, there is increased urgency to protect America’s allies. The report underscores the dire need for advocacy, noting IRAP as a key player in recent legislative change.
Read the full article here.
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