Speech #1100051438

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of S. 1104. a bill to increase the number of Iraqi and Afghan translators and inlerpreters who may be admitted 10 the United Stales as special immigrants. The bill improves upon an earlier effort made by Congress to address this matter. The intent thai underwrites this bill is a noble one. and the improvements it makes to current law are needed. I am concerned. however. by the limled scope of the authorities provided by the bill before us and thai is under consideration. Section 1059 of P.L. 109163 allows for 50 Iraqi and Afghan translators or interpreters who work in support of United States Armed Forces in those countries to petition the United Stales Government and be approved for entry into the United Stales under special immigrant status. The opportunity to immigrate to the United States has proved to be very popular among translators who work with the United States Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. These individuals are generally the targets of incidences of violence or threats of violence from certain individuals or groups due to their close association with the United States Armed Forces. Reportedly. there is a six year waiting list tor the 50 slots authorized by Section 1059 ot P.L. 109163. Unfortunately. Seclion 1059 of P.L. 109163 did not provide similar opportunities for translators and interpreters who work with civilian departments and agencies in Iraq and Afghanistan who. like their colleagues who serve alongside the United States Armed Forces. are subject to incidences ot violence or threats of violence from insurgents. militias. criminals. and terrorists operating in those countries. S. 1104. the legislation before us today. would expand existing law to authorize 500 special immigrant visas annually for the next two years. and expand eligibility for the visas to include both translators and interpreters working for the Chief of Mission or the United States Armed Forces in Iraq or Atghanistan. This bill would make useful and important changes to current law. The House Committee on the Judiciary notes in House Report 110158 that accompanies S. 1104. "that there are potentially dire consequences in delay" of this legislation and that "the Committee chose to consider the Senatepassed legislation in the interest of expediting its enactment." I commend my colleague from Michigan and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary . my colleague from Texas and the Committees Ranking Member . and the members of the Committee for their prompt work toward reporting this legislation for consideration by the full House.