; and (B) the number of principal noncitizens provided special immigrant status under this section during such fiscal year. (d) Visa fees and travel document issuance (1) In general A noncitizen 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. (2) The Secretary of State shall ensure that a noncitizen who is issued a special immigrant visa under this section is provided with an appropriate travel document necessary for admission to the United States. (e) Protection of noncitizens The Secretary of State, in consultation with the head of any other appropriate Federal agency, shall make a reasonable effort to provide protection to each noncitizen described in subsection (b) who is seeking special immigrant status under this section or to immediately remove such noncitizen from Syria, if possible, if the Secretary of State determines, after consultation, that such noncitizen is in imminent danger. (f) Application process (1) Representation A noncitizen applying for admission to the United States as a special immigrant under this section may be represented during the application process, including for 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, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall ensure that applications for special immigrant visas under this section are processed in such a manner so as 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 270 days after the date on which an eligible noncitizen submits all required materials to apply for such visa. (B) Rule of construction Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary of State, the Secretary, or the