IRAQ: Iraqi Refugees and Special Immigrant Visa Holders Face Challenges Resettling in the United States and Obtaining U.S. Government Employment
Abstract
According to the International Organization for Migration, the February 2006 bombing of the Al-Askari Mosque in Samara triggered sectarian violence, which increased the number of displaced Iraqis. Although military operations, crime, and general insecurity remained factors, sectarian violence became the primary driver for population displacement. Many Iraqis fled their country and immigrated to neighboring countries, particularly to Syria and Jordan. Background According to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol provide the foundation for modern refugee protection. According to the Convention, a refugee is someone who, "owing to a wellfounded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.?" UNHCR is mandated to find solutions to the plight of refugees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA515802
Entities
People
- Corissa Kiyan
- Etana Finkler
- Joseph A. Christoff
- Kathryn H. Bernet
- Lindsay Read
- Lynn Cothern
- Martin de Alteriis
- Mary Moutsos
- Muriel Brown
- Steven R. Putansu
- Tetsuo Miyabara
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office