SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

Iraqi Chaldean families in National City have multiple pathways to reunite with relatives in Iraq, including family petitions (I-130), refugee family reunification (I-730), and humanitarian programs.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

National City is home to a growing Iraqi Chaldean community seeking to reunite with family members. SoCal Immigration Services provides specialized assistance for Iraqi Christian families navigating the immigration system with Arabic and Chaldean language support.

Iraqi Chaldean Immigration Pathways

Iraqi Christian families have several options for family reunification:

• Form I-130 Family Petition (for citizens and residents)
• Form I-730 Refugee/Asylee Follow-to-Join
• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) for interpreters
• Humanitarian Parole for urgent situations
• Diversity Visa Lottery

Who Can File I-130 Family Petition

U.S. citizens and permanent residents can petition for family members:

Petitioner Status	Who You Can Petition	Wait Time
U.S. Citizen	Spouse	Immediate - no wait
U.S. Citizen	Parents	Immediate - no wait
U.S. Citizen	Children (unmarried under 21)	Immediate - no wait
U.S. Citizen	Children (unmarried 21+)	F1 category - years
U.S. Citizen	Married children	F3 category - longer wait
U.S. Citizen	Brothers/Sisters	F4 category - 15-20 years
Green Card Holder	Spouse	F2A - 2-3 years
Green Card Holder	Unmarried children	F2A/F2B - years

I-730 Refugee Family Reunification

If you came to the U.S. as a refugee or were granted asylum, you may bring immediate family:

• Must file within 2 years of arrival/grant
• Spouse and unmarried children under 21
• No filing fee required
• They receive derivative refugee/asylee status
• Faster processing than I-130 for qualified family

Documents Needed from Iraq

Gathering documents from Iraq requires special attention:

•Iraqi birth certificates (may need apostille or authentication)
•Iraqi marriage certificates
•Church baptismal records (valuable for Chaldeans)
•Family registration documents (book al-huwiya)
•Passport or national ID cards
•Photos together as family
•Communication records (calls, messages, transfers)

Challenges for Iraqi Families

Iraqi Christian families often face unique challenges:

• Documents lost or destroyed during conflict
• Records offices damaged or inaccessible
• Name transliteration differences (Arabic to English)
• Family members displaced within Iraq
• Security concerns with embassy appointments
• Long wait times for Iraq visa appointments

Getting Documents from Iraq

Options for obtaining Iraqi documents:

1
Contact Family in Iraq
Have relatives obtain copies from local offices
2
Iraqi Embassy
Some documents available through embassy in Washington DC
3
Church Records
Baptismal and marriage records from Chaldean churches
4
Secondary Evidence
Affidavits if original documents unavailable
5
Professional Translation
Certified Arabic to English translation

Religious Persecution Evidence

For asylum-related cases, documenting persecution is important:

• Country condition reports on Christians in Iraq
• News articles about attacks on Chaldeans
• Personal statements about threats or harm
• Church community letters
• Medical records if injured
• Police reports (if safe to obtain)

Consular Processing in Iraq

Family members abroad must complete consular processing:

• Interview at U.S. Embassy Baghdad (limited operations)
• May process at other embassies (Jordan, Turkey)
• Medical exam required before interview
• Bring all original documents to interview
• Security clearances may take additional time

Humanitarian Parole

For urgent situations, humanitarian parole may help:

• Life-threatening emergencies
• Urgent humanitarian reasons
• Not a path to permanent residence alone
• Discretionary - not guaranteed
• Must show urgency and ties to U.S.

Affidavit of Support Requirements

Financial sponsorship is required for family petitions:

• Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
• Income at least 125% of poverty guidelines
• Joint sponsors allowed if needed
• Tax returns and employment proof
• Valid until immigrant naturalizes or works 10 years

National City Chaldean Community Resources

Support available for Iraqi families in the area:

•Chaldean Catholic churches and community centers
•Iraqi cultural associations
•Refugee resettlement organizations
•Arabic-speaking social services
•ESL and integration programs
•Employment assistance

SoCal Immigration Services for Iraqi Families

We provide specialized help for National City Iraqi families:

•I-130 family petition preparation
•I-730 refugee family reunification
•Document gathering assistance from Iraq
•Translation and authentication services
•Affidavit of Support preparation
•Arabic and Chaldean speaking staff

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long does it take to bring family from Iraq?

A: Wait times vary significantly. Immediate relatives (spouse, parents, minor children) of U.S. citizens have no quota wait, but processing takes 1-2 years. Other categories can wait 5-20+ years depending on relationship.

Q:What if my Iraqi documents were destroyed?

A: You can use secondary evidence like affidavits, church records, or other official documents. USCIS understands that Iraqi documents may be unavailable due to conflict. Explain the situation in a cover letter.

Q:Can I bring my parents from Iraq as a green card holder?

A: No. Only U.S. citizens can petition for parents. However, if you naturalize (become a citizen), you can immediately petition for your parents with no category wait time.

Q:Is the embassy in Baghdad safe for interviews?

A: The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has limited immigrant visa operations. Many cases are transferred to Amman, Jordan or other embassies for interviews. Processing locations can change.

Q:Can I bring siblings from Iraq?

A: Yes, but only as a U.S. citizen, and the wait is very long (15-20 years for Iraqi nationals). The F4 sibling category has significant backlogs. File early if you want to start the process.

Q:Do I need a lawyer for Iraqi family immigration?

A: While not required, professional help is recommended given the complexities with Iraqi documents, persecution issues, and long processing times. Our staff understands Iraqi immigration needs.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in National City and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 14, 2026Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Need Help Reuniting with Family in Iraq?

Our Arabic and Chaldean speaking staff understand the unique challenges Iraqi families face. Let us help you navigate the reunification process.

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Iraqi Chaldean Family Reunification in National City: Bringing Your Family from Iraq