In the next week, the Senate will vote on the IAVA-endorsed “Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act." This amendment to the Defense Authorization bill will expedite visa processing for Iraqi translators and other Iraqis who risk their lives to work with U.S. forces. Today, IAVA released a statement urging support for this critical legislation. 

• Click here to read about IAVA Member Veteran Mike Zacchea and his Iraqi Translator Sinan in the New York Post.

Thursday, September 27, 2007
Contact: Michael Houston, IAVA (212) 982-9699 or michael[at]iava.org 

Iraq Veterans Demand Refuge for Iraqi Translators
Critical Legislation Pending in the Senate Would Expedite Visa Applications for Iraqis

NEW YORK – In the next week, the Senate will vote on the IAVA-endorsed “Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act” or 2872.  This amendment to the Defense Authorization bill expedites visa processing for Iraqi translators and other Iraqis who risk their lives to work with U.S. forces.Many IAVA member veterans feel a deep personal connection to their translators and have worked tirelessly to help bring them to safety in the United States.

Retired Reserve Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea’s unit spent a year training and leading an Iraqi Army battalion in combat.  Mike and his unit relied heavily on their translator, Sinan, whose life was frequently threatened for assisting American forces.  After 22 months of hard work, Sinan obtained his permanent immigration visa from the United States.  Mike plans to meet Sinan when he arrives at Newark Airport this evening.  “For three years, Sinan risked his life to assist U.S. troops and better his country.  He proved himself countless times in combat alongside my unit, and I am grateful that he will finally be safe,” said Zacchea. 

Many Iraqi translators are not as fortunate as Sinan.

“My Iraqi civilian counterpart in Fallujah took the lead in establishing an election site that thousands of Iraqis used during the country’s first national elections.  He was a critical member of our team,” said Todd Bowers, IAVA Director of Government Affairs. “Months after I returned home, I received an e-mail from a Marine in the unit that had replaced mine.  My Iraqi comrade had been followed and assassinated by insurgents.  He was shot twice in the chest and once in the head.  The wife and five children he left behind were forced to flee their home.”

“There are thousands of Iraqis who risk their lives every day to support American troops in combat.  They and their families are frequently threatened and even killed, yet these brave and dedicated translators remain dedicated to protecting U.S. troops.  It is unsafe for them to remain in Iraq, but the process for them to seek asylum in the U.S. is inexcusably long and arduous,” said Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA Executive Director. 

“In addition to our nation’s moral obligation to protect these loyal Iraqis, doing so is critical to our success in the battlefield. My translator, Esam, was the most critical weapon I had in Baghdad.  Esam’s quick thinking and careful words often saved the lives of my soldiers and countless Iraq civilians,” said Rieckhoff.  “Counterinsurgency work relies on keeping good faith with our local allies; abandoning our interpreters would send a terrible signal to anyone thinking of working with American forces.”

“The ‘Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act’, or Amendment 2872 to the DOD Authorization bill, eliminates much of the red tape Iraqi refugees face when they apply for U.S visas and expedites the process for those who are in serious danger because of their association with the U.S,” said Paul Rieckhoff. “Its passage means the difference between life and death for thousands of Iraqis who risk their lives for American troops.”

To inquire about covering Mike and Sinan’s reunion this evening or to arrange an interview with Paul Rieckhoff and his translator Esam; Todd Bowers; or another Iraq veteran and his translator, please contact Michael Houston at (212)-982-9699, or email michael[at]iava.org. 

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation’s first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, IAVA represents more than 60,000 veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states.  For more information, please visit www.iava.org. 

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