The Office of Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in 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 and Assistance
The Embassy works directly with the Government of Iraq and international organizations such as UNHCR to address humanitarian needs of refugees, Iraqi refugees returning home, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). U.S. Government-funded programs support several hundred thousand displaced persons in Iraq through activities such as provision of emergency relief supplies, shelter construction, legal protection, water systems, emergency health, and infrastructure rehabilitation for host communities. The U.S. Government has provided over $1 billion in humanitarian assistance for displaced Iraqis in Iraq and neighboring states since 2003.
Refugee Admissions Program
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is a humanitarian effort that reflects America’s compassion for some of the world’s most vulnerable persons. A new path for accessing USRAP was established on January 28, 2008, allowing certain Iraqis with ties to the U.S. to qualify as refugees while still living in Iraq. Processing of such cases is currently underway in Baghdad, but is subject to security and logistical constraints. We encourage those who feel they are particularly vulnerable to process their cases outside of Iraq. Please contact IOM for information about this program or follow these links:
-
Eligibility Criteria (PDF 272 KB)
-
How to Apply (PDF 192 KB)
If it does not appear based on the information contained in the above links that the Iraqis in question qualify for access to the USRAP in Iraq, they may contact the UNHCR in a neighboring country to apply for refugee status.
Information Library: Resources
-
FAQ about the Direct Access Program in Iraq (PDF 236 KB)
-
Acknowledgment Form (PDF 11 KB)
-
Resettlement Overview (PDF 26 KB)
-
IOM Loan Note (PDF 101 KB)
-
FAQ on Refugee Ressettlement Benefits (PDF 95 KB)
-
SIV & USRAP Comparison Chart (PDF 108 KB)