Iraqi Refugee
THE U.S. REFUGEE ADMISSIONS PROGRAM AND IRAQI REFUGEES
THE U.S. REFUGEE ADMISSIONS PROGRAM IS EXPANDING PROCESSING FOR IRAQI REFUGEES.
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is currently expanding processing for Iraqi refugees. In general, a refugee is a person who has crossed an international border and is unable or unwilling to return home because of past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
ALL IRAQI ASYLUM-SEEKERS SHOULD REGISTER WITH UNHCR.
Individuals who have left Iraq and believe they have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution (who fear or have experienced serious harm in Iraq) should approach the nearest United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office for protection and assistance. UNHCR offices register asylum seekers and refer for third country resettlement consideration those who are found to be particularly vulnerable and in need of resettlement. Refugees and asylum seekers should comply with all legal requirements of the country in which they are located, including registration with host governments if required. The UNHCR office in Damascus is located at Malki – El-Bizm Avenue - near the church. UNHCR Telephone Number: 963-11-373-8451 / 963-11-373-5940.
IRAQI ASYLUM-SEEKERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IN IRAQ CAN PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR ASSOCIATION.
Individuals who believe they are at risk or have experienced serious harm as a result of association with the MNF-I, a U.S. Mission in Iraq, or other U.S.-government funded programs should approach UNHCR for registration and protection, as indicated above. In addition, such individuals should forward the following information to refquestions@wrapsnet.org:
1) Full name (exactly as reflected on Iraqi ID cards, citizenship certificates and badges issued by employers; if more than one name has been used, all should be provided) and date of birth of individual claiming association the USG;
2) Full names and dates of birth of spouse and minor children and any other dependent members of his/her household;
3) USG association: Employer name (company name or U.S. government agency), job title, name of immediate supervisor, and dates of service;
4) Current location and contact information;
5) A brief description of the situation – status with UNHCR, reasons for leaving Iraq.
Individual messages will receive responses providing additional information and guidance. Reminder: ALL Iraqi asylum seekers should register with UNHCR. Submission of this information should be considered as an additional step in making individual circumstances known and is not a replacement for registration with UNHCR.