Reflections on the Anniversary of the Iraq War

William QuinnMarch 20 marks the thirteenth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq led by the United States. Despite the heroism of many, it is difficult to look back on the past 13 years of U.S. policy toward Iraq with a great deal of pride. Part of our justification for the invasion was based on (to put it charitably) unreliable intelligence. Early decisions by an interim government lacking a solid understanding of Iraqi culture and history stoked old grievances among an already fractured population and contributed to the rapid growth of several insurgent and terrorist groups. Our military withdrawal was similarly self-serving, and it betrayed a deep cynicism among our leaders regarding our willingness and ability to work with Iraqis as partners for peace.

Many Iraqis, out of hope or desperation, trusted us with their lives and worked alongside our military as translators, cultural advisors, colleagues, and friends. Interpreters traveled, marched, worked, ate, and slept alongside American troops throughout Iraq. They knew the same hardships, suffered the same losses, endured the same boredom, and laughed at the same jokes. They were essential members of every patrol, intelligence gathering mission, and humanitarian and civil affairs project conducted by U.S. Armed Forces. However, when each unit’s tour ended, the interpreters remained. And when the U.S. finally withdrew in 2011, they were left behind to face an uncertain future.

Today, the work they did supporting the U.S. mission in Iraq is putting their lives at risk. They and their families are targeted for having allied themselves with our cause. Recognizing the risk they face and their demonstrated respect for American customs and values, Congress and the President established the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program to provide them and Afghan interpreters the opportunity to emigrate to the U.S.

Unfortunately, the SIV program is complicated, slow, and uncertain. Applicants without legal representation face a daunting challenge. Even those applicants who are clearly eligible and who have legal representation face challenges and uncertainty navigating the program. As a volunteer with the International Refugee Assistance Program (IRAP), I represent a client who has been trying to come to the U.S. for three years. An application filed before he began working with IRAP was denied due to a clerical error. His current application has progressed without any serious impediments, but the process has taken 19 months and he still waits for an email or phone call telling him that he has been accepted and may travel to the U.S. In the meantime, he and his family live in hiding in the face of constant threats.

We must do better. Someone who has served alongside our troops in combat should not be forced to suffer indefinitely because of that service. The SIV process should be a quick, streamlined path to the United States that demonstrates our gratitude for past service and our eagerness to welcome such dedicated future citizens to our shores.

Will Quinn is an Army Veteran who served as an interrogator in Iraq, and then as an Ordnance Officer. He is a student at the University of Michigan Law School.