The Committee notes in House Report 110158 that. "[i]n approving this bill for expedited consideration. the Committee acknowledges the issues that are left unaddressed. The Committee. in its report accompanying this legislation. comments that. "[tihere appears to be little reason to limit this relief to those serving with our Missions in Iraq and Afghanistan as a translator or interpreter. Iraqis and Afghans are serving in many different functions in aid of our Missions there. and as their lives come under threat as a result. they would seem similarly deserving of our help in delivering them from harmns way." House Report 110158. furthermore. notes that. "[t]here is also the question of whether these wouldbe refugees should be granted access to refugee assistance programs promptly once they arrive in the United States." I fully understand and recognize that this is a complicated issue. But it is my hope that comprehensive Iraqi and Afghan refugee legislation can be considered and agreed to by this body in the near future. I would hope that such comprehensive Iraq and Afghan refugee legislation. at a minimum. would provide the authority for atrisk Iraqi and Afghan individuals and their family memberswho serve in any capacityalongside. in support of. or in close coordination with United States or Coalition military and civilian personnelto be eligible to petition the United States Government and be approved for entry into the United States under special immigrant status. Specifically. I would hope that such comprehensive refugee legislation would. at a minimum. provide petition authority and approval eligibility for atrisk Iraqis and Afghans who are direct hires of United States Government or Coalition country departments. agencies. and military services. Iraqis and Afghans who work as contractors for. or in support of. United States Government or Coalition country departments. agencies. and military services.
Keywords matched
immigrant refugee refugees