Former Iraqi translator tells of threats

[cal04]

A former Iraqi translator for the U.S. military says his life was saved when he was granted a special visa to live in the United States, a status made available to only 50 Afghan and Iraqi nationals annually who served in the same capacity.

The 27-year-old Sunni Arab, set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, says he was threatened by enraged fellow students at his college, survived a car bombing and learned his name was listed on the doors of mosques calling for his death.

The former translator, who will not use his real name, and a second witness who also did jobs for the U.S. military were to testify behind screens to protect their identities.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., has argued for an increase in the number of translator visas. Only the translators themselves count toward the 50-visa limit, but their spouses and children may be able to join them in this country after the visa is issued.

Kennedy, who will head the committee's subcommittee on immigration, border security and refugees, said an estimated 2 million Iraqis have fled their country since the U.S.-led invasion. The hearing will focus on those who helped the U.S. government and other Americans in Iraq.



http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070116/ap_on_go_co/iraq_refugees_3