Mr. President. because of the war in Iraq. more than 2 million Iraqis have been internally displaced in their own country. and 2 million other Iraqis are in neighboring countries throughout the region. primarily Jordan and Syria. The humanitarian needs of the refugees and internally displaced Iraqis are immense. If their needs are not quickly and adequately met. these populations could become a fertile recruiting ground for terrorists. Iraqi refugees are also a significant financial burden on countries in the region. As the Iraq Study Group concluded. if the refugee crisis "is not addressed. Iraq and the region could be further destabilized." Many Iraqis who have worked in critical positions in direct support of the U.S. Government in Iraq have been killed or injured in reprisals for their support of our effort. Many more Iraqis associated with the United States have fled their country in fear of being killed or injured. Clearly. we cannot resettle all of Iraqs refugees in the United States. but we have a fundamental obligation to help the vast number of Iraqis displaced in Iraq and throughout the region by the war and the associated chaos. especially those who have supported Americas efforts in Iraq. In April 2007. Assistant Secretary of State Ellen Sauerbray said the United States "could resettle up to 25.000 Iraqi refugees this year." In May 2007. Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky said. "We are committed to honoring our moral debt to those Iraqis who have provided assistance to the United States military and embassy." On June 8. Secretary Rice said "the people that Im most worried about in the near term are the people whove worked with us who might be subject to recrimination and reprisal. And were trying to step up our efforts on their behalf." It is essential for the United States to develop a comprehensive and effective approach to meet the rapidly growing needs of Iraqs refugees and internally displaced persons. especially those who are associated with the United States. The legislation I am introducing today with Senators SMITH. BIDEN.
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refugee refugees