syriastew.com

Syria will allow American officials into the country to vet Iraqi refugees for resettlement in the United States.  Syria currently hosts more Iraqi refugees than any other country-between 1.2 and 1.5 million.

The United States was criticized by refugee agencies due to the low number of refugees it has admitted–out of 12,000 refugees the U.N. referred for resettlement, only 1,608 were allowed as of Sept. 30, the close of the fiscal year.  The Bush Administration has vowed to allow 12,000 refugees to resettle this year, but red tape in Homeland Security and the State Department is stalling the process.   Iraqi refugees must undergo extensive screenings.

Syria was allowing up to 30,000 refugees into the country per month, but recently clamped down.  The last open border crossing with Iraq has been closed and stricter visa regulations are now in place.