Iraqis who have faithfully served the British government since the invasion of the Persian Gulf state in 2003 have been extended the courtesy to resettle in England. Interpreters and aides to the British forces are among many of the 20,000 Iraqis that are looking to immigrate to the British Isles for asylum in exchange for the indispensable function they have provided our allies “across the pond.” Hopefully, America will follow suit in this effort, safeguarding those Iraqis who risk their lives to assist our armed services deployed in Iraq.

When American and British troops are out patrolling the streets of Baghdad, Tikrit or any other spot in the country seeking out terrorists or militants who seek to plunge Iraq into civil war, Arabic interpreters and other close aides are essential. If a patrol encounters a suspected terrorist who in fact is a simple Iraqi farmer, the interpreter prevents the soldiers from detaining or possibly doing worse to the innocent Iraqi, all the while helping to defend the well-being of the soldiers.

Oftentimes, Iraqis who assist American and British forces are targeted and assassinated by terrorists and Sunni or Shiite militants who oppose the interpreters’ and aides’ support of Western forces. The danger they face is very real in today’s Iraq.

Britain may be experiencing a shortage of living space in its more heavily populated areas, but the concern that the British government is showing those Iraqis who are so crucial to the successful reconstruction of Iraq and the struggle against terrorist groups is amiable.

Since the beginning of the war four years ago, the Bush administration has only allowed 800 Iraqis who have assisted them to resettle in this country, having originally planned to take in 7,000. A large-scale relocation of Iraqi refugees into this country, the likes of which Syria and other states neighboring Iraq have had to endure, is probably impossible, but those who have served this country deserve at least the option to enjoy safe haven here.

The Independent Collegian is the student newspaper at the University of Toledo.