; and (B) the number of principal aliens provided special immigrant status under this section during such fiscal year. (d) Visa and passport issuance and fees An alien described in subsection (b) may not be charged any fee in connection with an application for, or the issuance of, a special immigrant visa under this section. The Secretary of State shall ensure that aliens who are issued a special immigrant visa under this section are provided with an appropriate passport necessary for admission to the United States. (e) Protection of aliens The Secretary of State, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall make a reasonable effort to provide protection to each alien described in subsection (b) who is seeking special immigrant status under this section or to immediately remove such alien from Syria, if possible, if the Secretary determines, after consultation, that such alien is in imminent danger. (f) Application process (1) Representation An alien applying for admission to the United States as a special immigrant under this section may be represented during the application process, including at relevant interviews and examinations, by an attorney or other accredited representative. Such representation shall not be at the expense of the United States Government. (2) Completion (A) In general The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall ensure that applications for special immigrant visas under this section are processed in such a manner to ensure that all steps under the control of the respective departments incidental to the issuance of such visas, including required screenings and background checks, are completed not later than 9 months after the date on which an eligible alien submits all required materials to apply for such visa. (B) Rule of construction Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), any Secretary referred to in such subparagraph may take longer than 270 days to complete the steps incidental to issuing