State Dept. defends Iraq refugee policy (AP)

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

State Dept. defends Iraq refugee policy
Bush Administration Defends Its Iraq Refugees Policy Against
Congressional Criticism

By GEORGE GEDDA

WASHINGTON Mar 26, 2007 (AP)— The Bush administration defended itself
Monday against congressional charges that it is not doing enough for
thousands of Iraqi refugees, including many who are at great risk because
of their service to the American-led coalition in Iraq.

Ellen Sauerbrey, who heads the State Department's refugee affairs bureau,
said the administration is taking steps to accelerate admissions of Iraqi
refugees to the United States.

But security requirements imposed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks
that govern refugee admission has slowed the process considerably, she
said.

-snip-

But Ackerman said the administration has been moving too slowly.

"We have left thousands of Iraqis, high and dry, desperate and deserted,"
he said. "These people are now in flight because of our own failure."

-snip-

Read more: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2983285