He has compiled a list of over 500 Iraqis that he knows personally are in that category. Five hundred. not one of whom has been able to yet make it to the United States for asylum. They are part of the tip of the refugee iceberg. Two million. as I say. in Jordan and Syria. Mr. Johnson asks the question that each Member of Congress must confront: What kind of superpower cant convert its "very top priority"-the words. by the way. of Ellen Sauerbrey. the Assistant Secretary of State for Population. Refugees. and Migration in her testimony before the United States Senatecant convert its very top priority into a program that starts saving the lives of people who helped us before their visas expire? The stark reality is that only 70 Iraqis since October of last year have been admitted to the United States. Only eight in March. one in April and another in May. I strongly urge that my colleagues join me in supporting H.R. 2265. This comprehensive refugee legislation will allow for more Iraqis to be granted refugee status in the United States. Why should the United States accept fewer refugees than Sweden? It would allow them to apply for refugee status in Iraq. Why should they be forced to flee the country. to Jordan. for instance. when we have the largest embassy in the world in Baghdad? This legislation would put somebody in charge. having a special coordinator to help us make sure that this problem is solved. I strongly urge my colleagues to make sure that Congress does its part to deal with the greatest continuing refugee crisis in the world with the possible exception of the Darfur. This is a crisis for which the United States has a unique responsibility and a unique role in its solution. Please examine H.R. 2265. add your name as cosponsor. but. more important. join Mr.
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visas refugee refugees Refugees