(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI), reintroduced the Iraqi Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement, and Security Act of 2009.  The comprehensive legislation addresses this crisis and the potential security break-down resulting from the mass influx of Iraqi refugees into neighboring countries and the growing internally displaced population in Iraq, and also facilitates the resettlement of Iraqis at risk.  (Please find attached a copy of the legislation).

"For those Iraqis whose lives are endangered to the point that family members have been murdered, kidnapped or their safety threatened daily, I believe more must be done in responding to this crisis.  It is clear to me that a ‘humanitarian surge' must not just be talked about, but instead be put into action," said Congressman Hastings.  "The tragic circumstances that so many Iraqis continue to face could ultimately result in far-reaching security implications for the region.  I stand ready to work with President-elect Obama's administration and my colleagues in Congress to address this worsening crisis."

"I want to commend Congressman Hastings for his leadership on the Iraqi refugee crisis.  This bill is a necessary and important step toward helping the millions of Iraqis forced from their homes and away from their families inside Iraq as well as into neighboring countries," Congressman Dingell said.   "As violence in Iraq diminishes and as the Obama administration enters office, now is the moment to implement new policies that begin to address the staggering reality of the plight of Iraqis since the war began.  I look forward to working with Congressman Hastings and my Congressional colleagues alongside the new Administration on achieving real security, and ultimately, stability for this besieged population."

Refugees International stated, "We support the reintroduction of the Hastings legislation. This legislation lays out a framework for a wide-ranging response to the displacement crisis in and around Iraq.  RI has strongly advocated for the US government to develop a comprehensive response to the displacement crisis.  We applaud Congressman Hastings and the co-sponsors for their leadership on this issue, and urge the Congress to move quickly on it."  

The Members of Congress who have co-sponsored the legislation include Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA), William Delahunt (D-MA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Janice D. Schakowsky (D-IL), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Diane Watson (D-CA), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Joseph Courtney (D-CT), and Gwen Moore (D-WI). 

The Iraqi refugee crisis has displaced more than 4.7 million people within Iraq and in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, and Lebanon.  The situation in the region has continued to deteriorate, and Iraqis are finding themselves living amongst resentful host populations.  As the day-to-day needs of Iraqis continue to increase and their resources diminish, the security situation could have broad regional implications.

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  PDF of the Legislation: iraqi_refugee_bill_111th