International Rescue Committee Supports Senate Bill Addressing Iraqi Refugee Crisis

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said it strongly endorses a recently introduced Senate bill to increase the number of vulnerable Iraqis admitted to the United States and to assist displaced Iraqis throughout the Middle East. The “Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act” was introduced on June 20 by Senators Edward Kennedy D-Mass., Gordon Smith, R-Ore., and several others.

“As both an international aid organization and a U.S. refugee resettlement agency, the IRC has long advocated for a comprehensive U.S. response to the Iraqi refugee crisis that addresses the essential components of humanitarian assistance, protection in the region, and the U.S. admission of vulnerable Iraqis.  Your legislation takes such a comprehensive approach,” said IRC president George Rupp in a letter to Senator Kennedy.

The bill, S. 1651, establishes categories of vulnerable Iraqis who would be given priority for admission to the U.S. as refugees.  These include persons who have been targeted because of association with Americans, as well as members of religious or minority communities who have close family members in the U.S.

The bill also creates a special immigrant visa for Iraqis who were employed by or who worked directly with the U.S. government.  Up to 5,000 Iraqis per year would come to the United States through this program.

The bill would also provide for the protection and assistance of displaced Iraqis inside Iraq and in neighboring countries.

Learn More

Special Report on the Iraqi Refugee Crisis

Media Contacts

Jana Mason 
202-822-0166 ext.18 
Jana.Mason@theIRC.org
  
Ed Bligh
212-551-3114    
Edward.Bligh@theIRC.org