| No problem with our taking refugees as long as they're vetted, with preference to those who actively helped us. But let's work on the improving conditions in Iraq, so that these refugees can feel safe returning home. |
Jolles told The Associated Press that 6,700 of them applied this year for resettlement, including 4,662 seeking to resettle in the U.S. A U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington declined immediate comment.
The U.S. plans to admit 12,000 Iraqi refugees in a year's time. But only 450 were let in last month - less than half the monthly average needed to reach the target. The Bush administration has conceded a moral obligation to assist Iraqi refugees, but the slow pace of admissions has sparked criticism from refugee advocates and lawmakers.
The blame has been placed on bureaucratic slowdowns - including bickering between the State Department, which is in charge of refugee resettlement, and Homeland Security, which must screen all refugees for admission. Those from Iraq are subjected to additional security checks because of fears of terrorism.