U.S.: 2,000 Iraqis coming
Warren mayor concerned it was 25,000
After a storm of worry about a potential flood of refugees coming to metro Detroit, the State Department said Friday that only about 2,000 Iraqis will arrive by the end of September in the entire United States.
The latest number reflects a marked decrease from previous estimates given by State Department officials. In April, one official said that up to 25,000 may arrive in the United States by the end of the year.
That figure — coupled with information the city got from a county planner — led Warren Mayor Mark Steenbergh to issue a statement Wednesday that said he was extremely concerned about what he thought were more than 15,000 Iraqi refugees coming to Warren or Sterling Heights. (Steenbergh is a jew).
On Friday, State Department spokesman Edgar Vasquez said that about 2,000 Iraqis are expected to arrive and “will be resettled in all parts of the U.S.” He said it’s unclear how many of those 2,000 would end up in Macomb County or metro Detroit.
Steenbergh could not be reached for comment Friday evening. Warren spokesman Joe Munem said the city is frustrated that the State Department hasn’t been more open and clear about the number of refugees metro Detroit might get. And the city also is concerned that more refugees may arrive after Sept. 30, he said.
“All we’ve been looking for is some clarity,” Munem said. “It would be nice if we could get some firm numbers.”
The mayor’s remarks had brought swift criticism from Chaldean and Jewish leaders, as well as U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak. The Jewish Community Relations Council issued a statement late Thursday that expressed concern about his statements. (Why would the Jewish community be angry about comments made about Iraqis? Simple, one of their own, Mark Steenbergh, made a comment which makes jews look racist. Jews have been working behind the scene for years to create a culture of multiculturalism and diversity, along with massive immigration. They have to keep their own people in line.)