Protect Iraqi Refugees Imminent Vote in Senate!
- da: Human Rights First
- destinatario: US Senate
In a recent memo, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said the United States must act more quickly to help desperate Iraqi refugees find safety "Iraqis who have put themselves and their families at risk by working with us."
Due to the current crisis, approximately 2,000 Iraqis are forced to flee their homes every day. More than 2.2 million Iraqis have already fled to neighboring countries. Jordan has closed its borders and Syria plans to next month. Soon, Iraqis threatened with death will literally have no way to flee.
The U.S. promised to admit 7,000 Iraqis between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007. To date, only 719 have been allowed to enter. Fortunately, there is a bipartisan amendment in the Senate that will help bring some of these Iraqis - and other vulnerable Iraqi refugees - to safety in the United States.
Dear Senator,
As a constituent concerned about the growing Iraqi refugee crisis, I urge you to vote YES for the bipartisan amendment #2872 "The Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act." This amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill extends a lifeline to some of Iraq's most vulnerable refugees and provides critical assistance to countries that are already sheltering so many Iraqis in the region.
The United States has led the world in past efforts to protect and resettle vulnerable refugees. Between 1948 and 1952 the U.S. admitted 200,000 displaced Europeans, including 90,000 Jewish refugees. In the 1950's and '60's the U.S. resettled some 200,000 refugees from the Soviet Union and 200,000 from Cuba. Since 1975 the U.S. has admitted more than 2.6 million refugees, including 900,000 from Vietnam, 600,000 from the former Soviet Union, and 143,000 from Bosnia. Our country has been a leader with a proud tradition of giving refuge to the persecuted and assistance to victims of war. And yet we have essentially closed our doors to Iraqi refugees, resettling only 719 since October 2006.
The United States must do more. Since 2003, more than 2.2 million Iraqis have fled violence and persecution in their homeland. Tens of thousands have been targeted for their work with the United States or with U.S. organizations. Many more have been killed because of their ethnicity or religion. Those who have fled to Jordan and Syria live in dire conditions, at risk of exploitation and deportation back to danger. Many lack access to medical treatment, education for their children, and a means of supporting their families. As this crisis grows, the protection of refugees, the stability of the region, and the moral credibility of the United States are all at risk.
The "Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act" will lay the groundwork to help the United States develop a comprehensive solution to this crisis. It allows persecuted Iraqis who have close ties to the United States - either through work or through family - to apply directly to our refugee program. The bill also creates 5,000 special visas for Iraqis who worked directly with the United States, and asks that we protect those who are in imminent danger of death. Finally, it asks the Secretary of State to work with countries in the region hosting large number of Iraqis to develop long-term solutions and aid packages to help the vast majority of the refugees who will remain in the region.
It is past time for the United States to lead the international community to address this crisis in a comprehensive manner. Our country has a moral obligation to provide a meaningful solution to the Iraqi refugee crisis. This bill is a vital step towards fulfilling that obligation. Thank you in advance for your leadership on this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
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