Syrian SIV Resources in El Monte: Special Immigrant Visa for Syrian Workers
Immigration support for Syrians who worked with U.S. government or organizations
Quick Answer
Syrians who worked with the U.S. government, military, or U.S.-funded programs may qualify for Special Immigrant Visas. SoCal Immigration Services helps El Monte and Los Angeles County's Syrian community navigate the SIV and refugee processes.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Syrians who worked with the U.S. government, military, or U.S.-funded programs may qualify for Special Immigrant Visas. SoCal Immigration Services helps El Monte and Los Angeles County's Syrian community navigate the SIV and refugee processes.
Syrian Special Immigrant Visa Program
Program Overview:
• Created for Syrians who worked with U.S. government
• Covers employment with military, diplomatic missions, contractors
• Includes those who worked for U.S.-funded programs
• May lead to permanent residence in the United States
Note: Syrian SIV programs have had varying availability. Current options may include referrals through USRAP (U.S. Refugee Admissions Program).
Who May Qualify
- •Syrians who worked for U.S. government agencies in Syria
- •Translators/interpreters for U.S. military operations
- •Employees of U.S. contractors in Syria
- •Staff of U.S.-funded NGOs operating in Syria
- •Journalists who worked with U.S. media organizations
- •Human rights workers who assisted U.S. programs
- •Medical professionals who treated U.S. personnel
Alternative Immigration Pathways
| Pathway | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum | Protection from persecution | Must be in US, apply within 1 year |
| USRAP Referral | Refugee resettlement | Must be outside US, referred by organization |
| Family Petition | Sponsored by US relative | US citizen or green card holder sponsor |
| Employment Visa | Work-based immigration | US employer sponsor required |
| Diversity Visa | Lottery program | Must meet education/work requirements |
Asylum for Syrians in the United States
Common Asylum Grounds:
• Political opinion (opposition to Assad regime)
• Religion (Christian minorities, religious persecution)
• Nationality or ethnicity (Kurdish population)
• Membership in particular social group
• Perceived political opinion
Important: You must apply within one year of arrival to the U.S., with limited exceptions.
Documentation for Syrian Cases
- •Syrian passport or travel documents
- •Employment letters from U.S. government or contractors
- •Recommendation letters from U.S. supervisors
- •Photos and records of U.S. employment
- •Evidence of persecution or threats received
- •Country conditions documentation
- •Medical records if applicable
- •Translations of all Arabic documents
Family Reunification for Syrians
For Refugees/Asylees:
• I-730 Petition for qualifying family members
• Must file within 2 years of approval (refugees) or grant (asylees)
• Covers spouse and unmarried children under 21
For Green Card Holders/Citizens:
• Family preference petitions (I-130)
• Wait times vary by relationship and country
• Priority dates for Syrian applicants
Challenges Syrian Applicants Face
- •Obtaining documents from Syria (work with what's available)
- •Proving employment without formal records (affidavits, colleagues)
- •Background security checks (extended processing times)
- •Embassy closures in Syria (third-country processing)
- •Language barriers (Arabic interpretation available)
- •Trauma from conflict (sensitive interview preparation)
El Monte Syrian Community Support
• Arabic-speaking immigration assistance
• Referrals to Syrian community organizations
• Connection with resettlement agencies
• Document translation services
• Cultural sensitivity in all services
• Experience with Syrian cases since 2011
Our Syrian Immigration Services
- •SIV eligibility evaluation
- •Asylum application preparation
- •Family petition assistance (I-130, I-730)
- •Document organization and translation
- •Interview preparation (asylum, green card)
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Is there a Syrian SIV program like the Iraqi and Afghan programs?
A: Syrian immigration programs have been more limited than Iraqi/Afghan SIV programs. However, Syrians who worked for the U.S. may be eligible for Priority 2 USRAP referrals or other pathways. Each case is evaluated individually.
Q:Can I apply for asylum if I'm Syrian?
A: Yes, if you're in the United States, you may apply for asylum based on persecution you faced or fear in Syria. Common grounds include political opinion, religion, and ethnic persecution. You must generally apply within one year of arrival.
Q:How do I prove I worked for the U.S. government in Syria?
A: Gather employment letters, emails, photos, payment records, and recommendation letters from supervisors. Sworn statements from colleagues can help if official documents are unavailable.
Q:Can I bring my family from Syria?
A: Yes, depending on your status. Refugees and asylees can file I-730 for immediate family. Green card holders and citizens can file I-130 petitions, though processing may require third-country visa interviews.
Q:What if I don't have my Syrian documents?
A: Many Syrians fled without complete documentation. We help you gather alternative evidence, obtain secondary documents, and prepare affidavits to support your case.
Q:How long does Syrian immigration processing take?
A: Processing times vary significantly. Asylum cases may take 6 months to 3+ years. Refugee cases can take 2+ years. Family petitions depend on category and priority dates. Security checks for Syrian applicants can extend processing.
Syrian Worker Seeking Immigration Help in El Monte?
Our Arabic-speaking team understands Syrian immigration cases. Whether you worked for the U.S. government or face persecution, we're here to help.
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