Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The administration of President Barack Obama has
allowed thousands of Syrians to remain in the United States.

Officials said the administration was granting Syrian visitors
“temporary protected status” amid the Sunni revolt in Syria. They said many
of the Syrians could face danger should they return to their country amid
the military assault on several major cities.

“Conditions in Syria have worsened to the point where Syrian nationals already in the United States would face serious threats to their personal safety if they were to return to their home country,” the Homeland Security Department said.

In a statement on March 23, the department said it would publish
guidelines on how Syrians could remain in the United States until the end of the civil war. The department did not report how many Syrians were believed to be in the United States.

“All applicants must undergo full background checks and while Syrians in the United States are encouraged to apply, they should not submit their applications before the notice is published,” the department said.

The administration has reported threats against Syrian dissidents in the
United States. Families of the dissidents, including American citizens, were
said to have been threatened after several anti-regime demonstrations in
front of the Syrian embassy in Washington.

  Administration to allow thousands of Syrians ‘temporary’ residence in U.S., Barack Obama, Homeland Security Department, Sunni revolt