U.S. Government Continues to Resettle Iraqi Refugees from Lebanon and Elsewhere

August 12, 2008

In July, the U.S. Embassy continued to process Iraqi refugees living in Lebanon for settlement in the United States.  Some 670 Iraqis were approved for permanent resettlement in the U.S. following the latest round of interviews.  Most are expected to depart in August and September.  Upon arrival, they will be assisted by U.S. non-governmental organizations that specialize in assisting refugees to start new lives in the United States.

Worldwide, the U.S. Government is committed to resettling 12,000 of the most vulnerable Iraqi refugees by September 30. The United States has accepted 7,789 Iraqi refugees for resettlement since 2007.

Since 2003, the U.S. Government has been the largest contributor to programs assisting displaced Iraqis, funding programs for food, health, education, water, sanitation and emergency shelter.