Statement by Senators McCain and Shaheen on Senate Reauthorizing Iraq War Visa Program

Statement

U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today released the following statement on the Senate unanimously reauthorizing the Iraq Special Immigrant Visa Program, which provides an opportunity for Iraqis who worked for the U.S. military during the war to apply for U.S. visas:

"The Iraq Special Immigrant Visa Program reauthorized unanimously by the Senate last night is a critical program that grants Iraqi civilians who served alongside our men and women in uniform during the war the chance to apply for a U.S. visa. We are grateful for our co-sponsors on this bill, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), as well as Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who worked tirelessly to support our efforts on this bill. This success would not have been possible without them.

"For five years, this program has given Iraqis who worked for the U.S. military during the war a chance to apply for U.S. visas. These brave Iraqis risked their lives to protect Americans and many of them are now living under constant threat of retribution from Al-Qaeda terrorists and Iranian-backed militants as a result of their decision to help American men and women in uniform. The United States has a moral obligation to stand with those Iraqis who stood with us; we cannot, and we will not, abandon our Iraqi partners.

"Despite the government shutdown, the Senate offered a powerful example last night of how this institution can still work together to uphold our country's interests and honor our commitments. As the House of Representatives has already voted to reauthorize this special program numerous times, we hope they will follow our lead, pass this legislation and send it to the President for his signature as soon as possible."

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