From the “Baltimore Sun” September 24:

Americans can be glad they don’t live in Sweden. If they did, they might have to get acquainted with some of the Iraqi refugees who have been uprooted by the war President Bush started in 2003.

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The small city of Södertälje, a little ways south of Stockholm, last year took in twice as many refugees as -

Baltimore? No.

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Miami? No.

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California? No.

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The entire United States?

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Yes - 1,100 Iraqis went to Södertälje, out of 9,000 admitted to Sweden, compared to the 500 who reached the United States in 2006.

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This year, Sweden, which has a population of 8 million, and which has accepted more Iraqi refugees than any other industrialized country (by far), has decided that it must tighten up its entry requirements. The United States promised to admit 7,000 Iraqis this year, but the tally so far is about 900, and the total will probably be about 2,000. American officials say they have to be careful not to let terrorists into the country.

Stingy — baltimoresun.com.

From the “Houston Chronicle” September 30:

Sweden no longer a haven for Iraq refugees

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The Swedish Migration Board ruled this summer that the situation in Iraq does not constitute an armed conflict, clearing the way for possible deportation of thousands of Iraqis, including the small group here.

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“The conclusion of the board is that we have to decide each case individually, and we cannot say the situation in Iraq is such that everyone from Iraq can stay in Sweden,” said Marie Andersson, a spokesman for the Swedish Migration Board.

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The decision, based on three court rulings, is expected to halt the influx of Iraqis that has quickened during the past year. The refugees have also turned up in Germany, Norway, Denmark and other European countries, but Sweden has drawn the most because of its welcoming attitude, receiving three times more than any other country.

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Numbers lower in U.S.

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Nearly 9,000 Iraqis requested asylum last year alone, Swedish officials said, and roughly 20,000 are expected to enter the country seeking protection this year.

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By contrast, America has allowed far fewer Iraqis into the country. Just 68 Iraqis entered the U.S. legally between October and June as refugees, State Department officials said Friday. A total of 1,135 have found haven in this country since the start of the Iraq war in 2003.

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The arrival of so many refugees in Sweden has changed its society, which used to be largely homogenous, and given rise to an anti-immigrant political party, called Sweden Democrats. The government has endorsed the stricter policy. Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said earlier this month that Iraqis will no longer automatically qualify for asylum despite the fighting.

Sweden no longer a haven for Iraq refugees | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle.