There are now more than 4.2 million refugees and displaced persons in Iraq and neighboring countries.  The patience and resources of the receiving countries are running out, and their doors are closing.  Many of the displaced persons in Iraq have helped U.S. troops and are thus targeted by insurgents.  Vulnerable groups – including Christian Chaldeans and Mandeans - face exploitation and shortages of food and clean water.

The United States has admitted only 719 Iraqi refugees so far this year because to be admitted Iraqis must pass extended screening processes in addition to rigorous background checks and security procedures mandated for all refugees.  As neighboring countries close their borders and an estimated 50,000 people every month join the exodus out of Iraq or become displaced, those fleeing persecution have nowhere to go.

An amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill, the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Bill (S. 1651), in the U.S. Senate, will expedite application processing for vulnerable Iraqis for admission to the U.S., ultimately help stabilize Iraq’s security, and prevent a possible humanitarian disaster. 

Click here for more information and to take action on this issue.  Scroll to the bottom of the linked page to send messages to Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell urging their support for the REFUGEE CRISIS IN IRAQ AMENDMENT (S. 1651) to the Defense Authorization bill.