Iraqis getting 'safe haven' visas

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday announced a "special immigrant visa program" that provides "safe haven" for Iraqis whose lives are threatened because of their work for the United States.

The program makes 5,000 visas available each year for the next five years to Iraqis who are "under threat as a consequence of their employment by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq," the embassy said in a statement on its Web site.

The State Department says the new program is "completely distinct" from another visa program for translators and interpreters.

"With the launch of this special immigrant program, we take a significant step toward fulfilling our obligation of providing safe haven for those brave Iraqi citizens who risked their lives in order to serve the United States and a free Iraq," said U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker.

"The tremendous sacrifices that they and their families have made deserve our recognition and support. I am pleased that this special immigrant visa program is now available to reward their loyal service to the United States."

The embassy statement said applicants must have been "employed in good standing by the U.S. government, or on behalf of the U.S. government, for at least one year after March 20, 2003. They must have experienced or be experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a result of U.S. government employment."

The embassy says "spouses and minor unmarried children of principal applicants are eligible for the same immigrant visa without counting toward the annual cap of 5,000 per year."

Iraqis working "for private contractors on behalf of the U.S. government are also eligible." The Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 authorized the program.