IMMIGRATION LAW IN THE MIDDLE EAST: HOW STATES ARE HANDLING THE SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS

Abstract

The Syrian Civil War has created the world’s worst refugee crisis since the end of World War II. Media attention has mostly focused on the European response to this tragedy. Europe; however, has not received the majority of refugees from the Syrian Civil War. The countries that have received the most refugees are the immediate neighbors of Syria; which begs the question, what domestic vehicles do they maintain to process these refugees? Further, the wealthy Gulf States and Iran have meddled in the conflict, have they accepted refugees? I explore the implications of various regional state�s domestic immigration policies as well as some states compliance or non-compliance with the UNHCR as it relates to the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis.