U.S. lets in fewer Iraqi refugees, not more

‘Quite a shocking result’
Refugee advocates, though, said they are extremely disappointed that the administration's initiatives have yet to produce results, particularly as conditions for Iraqi refugees in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and other neighboring countries worsen.

"This is quite a shocking result," said Ken Bacon, president of Refugees International. "We keep hearing they are bolstering the program, but the figures keep going down. The next months are going to be make-or-break for the program."

He said that persistent recent declines in admissions might be the result of the U.S. winter holiday season, which may have reduced the number of interviewers dispatched to screen refugees in the region, but Bacon stressed that the process should not be dependent on the vacations of American officials.

"That may reflect some of the slowness," Bacon said. "We're in a new year and without major holidays for the next few months, they ought to be able to ramp these numbers up. The problem is they keep promising and not delivering."

In addition to appealing for action to immediately boost U.S. admissions, Refugees International and 17 other advocacy groups have urged President Bush to use his trip to the Middle East that begins next week to press leaders there for financial assistance to ease the plight of Iraqis who have fled their homes.

"This displacement crisis has grave humanitarian implications as well as potential negative ramifications for regional security," they said in a letter to Bush sent on New Year's Eve. "At a time when you have expressed optimism about the prospect of regional dialogue as a way forward to an era of peace and prosperity, it is vital that your administration engage proactively to deal with the impacts of Iraqi displacement."

"We believe that it is imperative that you use this visit to the region to highlight the importance of a robust international response to the humanitarian needs of displaced Iraqis," they said.

According to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 2 million Iraqis have fled their country. Of these, 1.2 million are in Syria, 750,000 in Jordan, 100,000 in Egypt, 54,000 in Iran, 40,000 in Lebanon, 10,000 in Turkey and 200,000 in various Persian Gulf countries.

The U.N. refugee agency has referred more than 14,000 Iraqis to the United States for resettlement.

MORE FROM MIDEAST & N. AFRICA

Mideast & N. Africa Section Front

Reports: Iran protesters ‘savagely attacked’ Ahmadinejad dismisses nuclear deal deadline Destination of N. Korean arms cache is murky General: No trials of pregnant soldiers in Iraq Mediator in prisoner swap meets with Hamas in Gaza First Jesus-era house found in Nazareth Newsweek: Montazeri’s death rallies opposition World Blog: ElBaradei rattles official Egypt Mideast & N. Africa Section Front   Add Mideast & N. Africa headlines to your news reader: