Topic: U.S. Welcomes 2,183 From Iraq

Washington Times
September 4, 2008
Pg. 2
The United States admitted fewer Iraqi refugees in August than in the previous record-setting month, but remains on pace to meet the Bush administration's goal of 12,000 by the end of September.
The State Department said Wednesday that 2,183 Iraqi refugees entered the country last month, down from 2,352 in July.
August's figure brings the number of Iraqi refugees accepted in the U.S. to 10,998 since the current budget year began on Oct. 1. This means the administration will have to accept 1,002 more refugees in September to reach 12,000. August was the fourth straight month when admissions surpassed the administration's target of 1,000 refugees per month, so it's likely that the overall goal will be met.
"We're happy they are likely to meet their goal and we certainly hope they do," said Kristele Younes of Refugees International, a Washington-based advocacy group. She added that meeting the goal was a "good start, but it's only a start."