SACRAMENTO (Press Release)– Assemblyman Brian Jones (Republican-Santee) led the effort on Friday, Aug. 30, to secure passage of a resolution urging President Obama to expedite visa processing for Iraq’s minority groups and to lift the refugee quota cap for Iraqi-Christians during a time of religious persecution. Authored by Senator Joel Anderson, SJR 17 passed with unanimous support in the Senate and Assembly.
“As the representative for our country’s second largest community of Chaldean Americans, I am pleased that our State Assembly recognizes the violence in Iraq and the great need for our country to stand against genocide and religious persecution,” said Assemblyman Jones. “The United States Constitution’s First Amendment allows Americans the right to worship freely; it is our duty as Americans to act now to secure safe havens for those claiming amnesty from Iraq.”
The greatest population of Chaldeans living in the United States is in Detroit. The second largest area is centered in the El Cajon-Rancho San Diego area of San Diego County.
Iraq is currently embroiled in political and religious insurrection, and over 500,000 people have been displaced by the ongoing violence. Reports have surfaced of targeted harassment, persecution, and killings of Iraqi religious minorities. The Iraqi Christian population is estimated to be between 400,000 and 850,000 with two-thirds being Chaldean, one-fifth Assyrian, and the remainder consisting of Syriacs, Protestants, Armenians, and Anglicans.
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Preceding provided by Assemblyman Brian Jones represents the 71st Assembly District.