Iraqi Refugees
In Dire Straits
The war in Iraq has uprooted millions of Iraqi men, women and children. Thousands who are still in exile have little or no prospect of a safe return home. But a flawed U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is resettling Iraqi refugees into poverty rather than helping rebuild their lives in the country that offered them sanctuary. The International Rescue Committee calls for an overhaul of the system.
Iraqi Refugees in the United States: In Dire Straits
The IRC's Commission on Iraqi Refugees has issued a report that details the bleak situation for thousands of Iraqi refugees arriving in the United States during the recession and the outdated US Refugee Admissions Program that's no longer meeting their most basic needs.
Press Release l NEW IRC Report [PDF] l 2008 Report [PDF]
Iraqi Refugee Crisis Coverage:
June 20, 2009 - TIME.com
Iraqi Refugees in a Land of No Opportunity
June 16, 2009 - Houston Chronicle
Resettled and Struggling: Report says Iraqi Refugees in the US Need More Help
June 16, 2009 - CNN Wire
US Refugee Program Failing Iraqis, Report Says
IRC Report and Iraqi Refugees in the News [PDF]
Read additional coverage about the plight of Iraqi refugees in the United States
How You Can Help
Urge President Obama and Secretary Clinton to modernize the U.S. Refugee Admission Program and increase funding to welcome and assist Iraqi refugees and others who are fleeing persecution and violence
Sign the petition >
How We Help
Learn how we are aiding displaced families in Iraq, Jordan and Syria and giving a helping hand to Iraqi families granted refuge in the United States.
Refugee resettlement in the U.S. fact sheet >
Iraqi Band Reunited
Forced by death threats to split up and flee Iraq, the members of "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" band Acrassicauda lived as refugees in Syria and Turkey for nearly three years.
How the IRC brought the musicians back together >
