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U.S. Expands Iraqi Refugee Processing

Due to rising levels of insecurity, violence, and targeted persecution, Iraqis are increasingly seeking asylum in neighboring countries.  Currently, there are over 2 million refugees living in Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.  There are over 1.8 million Iraqis internally displaced without means to leave the country.

In February 2007 the United States Department of State announced that it will accept 7,000 Iraqi refugees into the United States, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 arriving this calendar year.  Refugees will receive referrals by UNHCR based on the following criteria (listed in no particular order): victims of torture, minority groups, women-at-risk, unaccompanied or separated children, dependents of refugees living in resettlement countries, older persons-at-risk, medical cases, high profile cases, Iraqis who fled as a result of their associations with U.S. institutions and other foreign organizations, and Iraqis at immediate risk of refoulement. 

Who is eligible for U.S. Refugee Admission Program consideration?

For more information on eligibility for the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, please refer to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Fact Sheet of Iraqi Processing:  U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) Frequently Asked Questions - Iraqi Processing.  Iraqis asylum seekers in Jordan who are at risk or have experienced serious harm as a result of employment/association with the U.S. Government may be eligible for resettlement consideration.  Please refer to the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration fact sheet: Resettlement Program for Iraqis in Jordan with U.S. Government Affiliations. 

My family members are entering the United States through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program.  How can I ensure that they will join me in my community? 

Please ensure that your Iraqi family members have your correct contact information, including your full name, address, and phone number.  You may also file an interest with a local resettlement agency which will indicate the agency’s relationship with your family’s case.  Filing an interest form will not generate a resettlement case for your family, but may result in your family resettling to your location if they already have a resettlement case.  For more information on filing an interest form, please contact the USCRI affiliate network  office closest to you. 

How can I help with the resettlement of Iraqi refugees in my community?

Every year, the United States offers safety and opportunity to thousands of refugees who fled their homes in fear of persecution.  Through the support of the U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement program, the USCRI partner agencies across the United States provide newly arrived refugees with the essential services and support they need to begin to rebuild their lives and take steps towards becoming U.S. citizens.  The U.S. Refugee Admission Program would not succeed without the individuals in communities across the United States who work to help refugees feel safe and welcome.  You can become part of this effort by contacting your local resettlement agency and finding out how you can help.  To assist with the resettlement of Iraqi refugees, please contact the USCRI affiliate network  office closest to you.

How can I learn more about Iraqi refugees?

The Iraqi refugees are of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, including Sunnis, Shi’ites, Chaldeans, Mandaeans, Palestinians, Sudanese, and others.  They include women-at-risk, former U.S. Government employees, former humanitarian aid workers contracted with U.S. NGOs, unaccompanied refugee minors, religious minorities, families, individuals, and the elderly.  Many are highly educated professionals and successful businessmen. 

For more background information on Iraqi refugees, please see the “Iraqi Refugees Backgrounder.”

For questions and answers on Iraqi refugees, please see the “Iraqi Refugees Questions and Answers.”