Oh brother. From Michael Chertoff's blog which is most unsuitably named the Leadership Journal.....
Today, Secretary Rice and I appointed two experienced leaders to serve as senior advisors for Iraqi Refugee Affairs within our Departments. These individuals will report directly to us and guide our efforts to re-settle Iraqi citizens seeking asylum in the United States. (DOS, DHS)
Welcoming refugees is part of our great American tradition as a nation of hope, freedom, and religious tolerance. Indeed, we have moved expeditiously to welcome Iraqi refugees. To date, we have re-settled more than 940 Iraqis and we expect that number to climb. We’ve also conducted or scheduled interviews with every Iraqi refugee for whom we have received a request from the Department of State – currently more than 4,300 individuals.
WOW! 940!!
Wait.... how many refugees are there?
(From Brookings Institute p33)
Not counting 2007 it's.....1.8 Million!
Not to worry. There has never been a problem that could not be solved by flinging a good 'ol Czar or 2 at it...
We have a moral obligation to help the people of Iraq, especially those individuals assisting coalition forces and putting their own lives at risk. But we also have a responsibility to prevent terrorists from infiltrating our borders. Our new Iraqi Refugee Czars will make sure we meet both of these objectives, and that our re-settlement process moves forward swiftly and with our highest priority. We welcome your comments and appreciate your time. (my emphasis)
Leadership Baby! Tell it to the Syrians and Jordanians who have lead the way in taking in Iraqi refugees. But of course they have both reached their limit which may explain the administration's token appointments now. (added...legislation to cut red tape barring refugees was also introduced in Congress...."Legislation was introduced in Congress days after it emerged that US ambassador to Baghdad Ryan Crocker had complained at the sluggish pace of processing refugees at risk because they worked with the United States.")
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