September 12, 08

NEWS / U.S. Surpasses Goal of Admitting 12,000 Iraqi Refugees in Fiscal Year 2008; Assistance Reaches New H

The United States has surpassed its goal of resettling 12,000 of the most vulnerable Iraqi refugees in this fiscal year. As of today, 12,118 Iraqis have been admitted to the United States as refugees.



In addition, 870 Iraqis received Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) between October 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008. (The number of SIVs issued to Iraqis in the first ten days of September is not yet available.)



Moreover, U.S. Government humanitarian aid for Iraqi refugees, conflict victims and internally displaced persons has risen to more than $318 million for this fiscal year (from October 1, 2007 until today). The United States has been the largest contributor to programs assisting displaced Iraqis since 2003, funding programs for food, health, education, water and sanitation, emergency shelter and protection.



Iraqi Refugees Admitted per Month in FY O8 to Date





U.S. Government Funding for Humanitarian Assistance to Iraqis – FY 2008 & 2007

(in millions)




International Orgs


NGOs


FY 08 Total





FY 07 Total

State


$207.80


$3.50


$211.30





$122.81

USAID


$66.70


$40.20


$106.90





$48.25

Totals


$274.50


$43.70


$318.20





$171.06

Released on September 12, 2008

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