Embassy of the United States

Embassy Offices

Office of Refugee & IDP Affairs

The Office of Refugee & Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Affairs at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad coordinates the U.S. Government's policy, assistance and resettlement programs for Iraqi displaced persons, conflict victims and third country refugees within Iraq.

Policy & Assistance

The Embassy works directly with the Government of Iraq and international donor agencies to respond to the humanitarian needs of Iraqi refugees and IDPs. U.S. Government programs and international organizations and non-governmental organizations funded by the U.S. government support several hundred thousand IDPs inside Iraq and other at-risk beneficiaries through activities such as provision of emergency relief supplies, water systems, emergency health and infrastructure rehabilitation for host communities. The U.S. Government has provided almost $1 billion in humanitarian assistance for displaced Iraqis in Iraq and neighboring states since 2003. 

Refugee Admissions Program
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is a humanitarian effort that reflects American compassion for some of the world’s most vulnerable persons. While the program is subject to many unexpected roadblocks and political challenges, it offers unparalleled opportunities for saving lives, reuniting families, and ending protracted refugee situations.
 
During its 33-year history, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has responded to changing refugee circumstances. On January 28, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Defense Authorization Act, which created a new access category under the Refugee Program to certain Iraqis with ties to the U.S. and directed that processing for Iraqis who fear or have experienced persecution based on their association with the U.S. Government be made available from within Iraq. Processing of such cases is currently underway in Baghdad, but is subject to security and logistical constraints and we encourage the majority of Iraqis with U.S. affiliations to apply for USRAP consideration in Jordan or Egypt if possible.

• Who is Eligible
• How to Apply
• What to Expect When Resettling to the U.S.
• Refugee Resettlement Benefits in the U.S.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• SIV & Refugee Program Summary

Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program

The FY 2008 Defense Authorization Act, signed into law in January 2008, creates 5,000 special immigrant visas each year for the next five years for Iraqis who are U.S. government employees or contractors and provides the applicants and their families with resettlement benefits. The SIV program is administered by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, and individuals interested in this program must consult the Consular Affairs website for more information and instructions on how to apply: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_4172.html. Useful links are also provided at right hand side of this webpage.

• SIV Resettlement Benefits