expedite the process to allow translators and their families from Iraq & Afghanistan to immigrate under the SIV program.

Congress had authorized 1500 visas a year for translators and other Afghan nationals that worked in support of US and NATO operations in Afghanistan. Similar provisions were made for Iraqi nationals that served in support of US operations. Both programs are now expired. Due to bureaucratic processes, including a 14 step application, cancellation of hours at US Embassies allotted for required interviews, exorbitant costs passed on to applicants and a plethora of other red tape and procedural hurdles, in 2011 of the 1500 authorized SIV visas only 3 were issued. These men, women and their families sacrificed to serve our troops at great personal risk and now face imminent risk of serious harm or death. We owe it to them to fix this process and honor their service to those who have served.