Frequently Asked Questions about The List Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies
What is The List Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies?
The List Project (TLP) is a small non-profit advocating for Iraqis endangered by their work with American organizations to be resettled to the United States. Founded on June 20th 2007 - World Refugee Day - by former-USAID worker Kirk Johnson, it currently employs four full-time staff and dozens of committed volunteers. It has partnered with law firms Holland & Knight and Proskauer Rose to provide legal representation for Iraqis and help them navigate the complicated resettlement process. The two firms have contributed nearly 100 attorneys and thousands of hours pro bono representation. TLP also partners with Upwardly Global, an innovative NGO committed to helping refugees find meaningful employment, which has committed to assisting the Iraqis on the List once they arrive to the U.S.
What is 'The List'?
The List catalogues detailed information on nearly 1000 Iraqis in grave danger for their association with the United States. Most are displaced; all have been employed by American organizations (including U.S. Government agencies, the Armed Forces, and American contractors and NGOs operating in Iraq). The List is growing by the day, but despite bi-partisan consensus that the fate of Iraqis who aided the US is a fundamental moral and national security imperative, the United States government is still admitting only a paltry few refugees per month. It is nowhere near reaching its stated goal of 12,000 by the end of fiscal year 2008.
How do Iraqis get onto The List?
Most Iraqis on the List have heard of TLP via word of mouth. Many have been referred by American diplomats, aid workers, journalists, contractors, soldiers, and marines. TLP has also actively sought and compiled information for nearly 100% of USAID direct-hire employees. Media exposure and word of mouth have generated wide awareness of The List within the refugee community. TLP requires Iraqis to present evidence of association with American organizations and contact information for their U.S. supervisors before adding them to The List.
How does The List Project help these Iraqis?
At the center of The List Project is a partnership with law firms Holland & Knight and Proskauer Rose to advocate individually for each refugee on the List. Nearly 100 attorneys are helping each refugee on The List navigate the complicated and hellish process of seeking resettlement. It is unprecedented for refugees to be afforded this kind of extensive pro bono representation. TLP anticipates bringing aboard even more law firms in the coming year to cope with the constantly-growing List. Once the Iraqis arrive to the U.S., TLP partner Upwardly Global assists in helping them find meaningful employment, as the vast majority of the Iraqis on the List are highly educated. TLP also raises funds to help defray basic cost of living expenses for these Iraqis in their first few months while they get settled, and makes every effort to connect American citizens who are seeking to help with refugees who need it. Additionally, TLP has worked extensively with local and national media to call attention to the plight of Iraqis who are endangered by their work with the United States.
How can I support The List Project?
Donations are accepted online or by sending a check to: The List Project, P.O. Box 502, New York, NY 10101.
For people who want to help in other ways, please click here for more information.