Iraqi Interpreter’s Seven-Year Visa Journey

Mohammed Aqrawi served as an interpreter for U.S. armed forces in Iraq, translating Arabic and Kurdish into English. He survived 27 IED attacks and 11 car bombs during his time as a translator.

Despite his record of service, Aqrawi spent some seven years in immigration limbo. He applied for a special immigrant visa in 2009, and only just received final approval this month. He landed in his new home, Minnesota, on Christmas.

-KitJ