The Struggles of Iraqi Refugees

Iraqi refugees

Since the United States went to war with Iraq in 2001, it has been considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world. In 2007, it was named one the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world. Well over 1.8 million Iraqi refugees were displaced from their homes, while an additional 100,000 have chosen to flee to the dangerous nearby countries of Jordan and Syria.

United States politicians and Iraqi refugee advocates have demanded a United States increase in Iraqi refugee funding, particularly Iraqi refugees who cooperated with American forces despite the danger in which the assistance placed them.

Officials had predicted an Iraqi refugee explosion following the start of the war; instead that explosion came in 2007, with the number of Iraqi refugees seeking access to the United States skyrocketing. Increased inter-fighting amongst religious groups in Iraq has been said to be one of the causes for the increase in Iraqi refugees seeking entry to the United States. This followed an abnormally high number of violent attacks in 2006.

In recent years, Iraqi refugee numbers have boomed, with two million Iraqi refugees fleeing the country. Most Iraqi refugees have not received legal status in any of the countries they have fled to, particularly Jordan and Syria, despite the danger that is to be rampant in those countries. Like many refugees, Iraqi refugees have been forced to trade one dangerous area for another. There are hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees that have fled to these areas despite the lack of protection. Most do not have the ability to return home.

According to the United Nations, Iraqi refugees have had little to no resources at their disposal, including lack of health care, food, and educational programs for children. Democrats in the United States have argued that to deny Iraqi refugees, particularly the ones who helped American forces, access to the country would be along the lines of demoting an employee even though their work performance has been exceptional.

NEXT: What Caused the Surge in Iraqi Refugees?