IM-34 April 15, 2010; IM-52 July 20, 2009; IM-112 December 29, 2008
Public Law 111-118 enacted on December 19, 2009 provides that Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants are eligible for benefits to the same extent and for the same period as refugees pursuant to Section 207 of the Immigrations and Nationality Act. The new legislation supersedes Public Law 110-161 and Public Law 110-181, which granted certain Iraqi and Afghan immigrants special immigrant status under section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) effective December 26, 2007 and was time limited. Provided that other eligibility requirements are met, Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants are eligible for benefits indefinitely.
NOTE: Prior to December 19, 2009, eligibility for Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants could not exceed eight months.