Posted on 07/10/2008 4:02:15 PM PDT by WilliamReading
The Bush administration opened the nation's arms to as many as 27,500 endangered Iraqis who have rendered ''faithful and valuable service" to Uncle Sam since the invasion of Iraq.
The Department of Homeland Security that handles immigration applications unveiled guidelines for admitting an estimated 5,000 additional Iraqis in each of the next five years who face ''an ongoing serious threat" stemming from their ties to the United States.
The refugees worked as translators for American military units or in other high-profile jobs. They are among the estimated 4.2 million who have fled their homes to another country or to other parts of Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
The coveted visas previously have been limited to 500 Iraqis in each of the past two years.
The program to provide special immigrant visas to Iraqis who have worked for the government or its contractors promises unlimited visas to spouses and children — even if the former employee dies.
Since it was started in October 2006, the program has admitted 1,480 people — 777 translators and 703 family members.
Dario Lipovac, an official with the YMCA of the Greater Houston Area, said the arrival of Iraqis with direct ties to the United States would pose new challenges. The Houston YMCA has resettled 29 out of the 165 Iraqi refugees coming to the area over the past year.
"The majority of refugees that we resettle face fear of persecution in one way or another," Lipovac said.
"But Iraqis who receive special immigrant visas generally speak good English, have a good education and have previously held good jobs. We face challenges with their career placement — matching their expectations with the reality of the jobs that are available."
Retraining and recertification in the United States for an Iraqi physician could take years.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
Why are they coming here if the surge has worked, etc.?
Why would they not want to stay in Iraq and help with its future rebuilding?
Seems to me we need these people more in Iraq than as immigrants. It is not that I’m not appreciative of their help but I think we should be encouraging Iraqis to return to the now more stable Iraq to help keep it that way.
Iraq is a dangerous place, they would rather live in the U.S.
“The announcement implements congressionally-mandated changes initially sought by Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., an ardent critic of the Iraq war who has pressed the White House to admit Iraqis imperiled by their roles as translators for U.S. military units and others who work for U.S. forces and officials in Iraq.”
I would think living in a newly free Iraq, purchased at the cost of 4k+ American lives & untold billions, would be compensation enough.
Besides, isn't our rescuing 27k Iraqis from who knows what send at odds with our claims of success over there?
I guess I'm just getting tired of America playing Santa to the world, usually at taxpayer expense.
Take them in trade and send back Saudis, Pakistanis, Iranians,Al Qaeda and Hamas terrorists that we know are here. We could also trade Congressional Liberals and RINO’s starting with Pelosi, Reid, Kerry, Murtha, Durbin, Feinstein, Boxer.
I guess the US Taxpayer is going to be on the hook to teach them Spanish, also?
This sounds dangerously close to an admission of defeat.
OH GOD, that’s all we need more muslims who will refuse to assimilate into the American culture. SO, what’s next instead of Spanish? The Arabic language or sharia law? 25,000 will multiply into 1 million in 10 years....FUDGE!
Running away from the enemy won't help.
I'm all for rewarding those who stick their necks out for America, but as we know with these people, that's not enough anymore. If they try to hold onto their old prejudices and beliefs it's not going to be a good fit. And to allow them to bring their entire "family" carte blanche, busloads of glowering sons who may hate daddy for what he's done to help the Americans... Terrible idea. Let them move in next door to a liberal, not me.
So, we fight a war in which US and other nations’ military are killed and maimed and this is the result? Why aren’t these people staying and fighting for their homeland? I don’t see any Israelis running away from Israel. Unbelievable.
Hope to hell they all move to Crawford...would serve the f@cker right.
Looks to me like these particular Iraqis would face serious reprisals back home, due to their cooperation with the U.S.
Iraqis like this have been fleeing to other countries, including Iran, all along. Better to have them here than in Iran, Syria, etc.
How many Israelis do you actually know?
I would suggest they live in one of the extra states Barry has added.
I say they should be in our Border Patrol carrying AK-47s on foot; setting traps and ambushes for the malos cabrones.
The best reason to stay out of war: all the freaking refugees we end up taking in whether we win or lose...
To accept your premise is to give lie to the administration's stated purpose for being there in the first place.
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