FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2021
PRESS CONTACT
Henrike Dessaules
hdessaules@refugeerights.org
516.838.1269
IRAP STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE IRAQI DIRECT ACCESS PROGRAM
(New York, NY) – Yesterday, the Department of State issued a statement announcing the temporary suspension of the Iraqi Priority 2 Direct Access Program due to an investigation into the alleged criminal activity of three individuals charged with exploiting the program. The following is a statement by Betsy Fisher, Director of Strategy of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP):
“The Iraqi Direct Access Program is the only pathway to safety available to the vast majority of Iraqis who are at risk due to their affiliation with the U.S. government. As such, it is the only lifeline for over 100,000 Iraqis living in dangerous circumstances, many of whom have been waiting for years to be resettled to safety. The program reflects the American responsibility to those Iraqis who helped support and further U.S. interests abroad, and it is vital that the program continue to protect those who have come under threat for their support.”
“We strongly condemn any efforts to exploit vulnerable people and commend the agencies for investigating these allegations to protect refugees and the integrity of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. We call on them to conduct their proceedings thoroughly and expeditiously, so that processing can restart as soon as it’s feasible to do so, to ensure that vulnerable families can continue to reach safety.”
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