Journalist Paul Richter of Los Angeles Times has revealed that the Obama administration is considering a resettlement program for Syrian refugees as part of an international effort that could bring thousands of Syrians to American cities and towns.
The plan, under discussion in Washington and other capital cities is aimed at relieving pressure on other Middle Eastern countries straining to support 1.6 million refugees, as well as assisting hard-hit Syrian families.
The State Department is "ready to consider the idea," a U.S. official said, if the administration receives a formal request from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is the usual procedure.
The U.S. usually accepts only about half the refugees that the U.N. agency recommends for resettlement. California has historically taken the largest share, but Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia are also popular destinations.
Translated and Edited By the Syrian Observer
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