September 28, 2017
PLEASE HELP STOP THE DISMANTLING OF THE U.S. REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM & SHARE YOUR HEART TO WELCOME REFUGEES!!
A Refugee Admissions Goal of 45,000 Is Far Too Low!
Background:
Yesterday morning, our Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries office was grateful to join outside the U.S. Capitol with other faith partners in raising up our goal to OPEN THE DOOR OF WELCOME to at least 75,000 refugees in the coming year!
Yet, news outlets are reporting that the Trump administration will instead set the refugee admissions goal for next fiscal year at a mere 45,000 - which would be the lowest goal in U.S. history.
The average admissions goal from when The Refugee Act of 1980 passed until today has been 95,000, with an average of 80,000 refugees resettled each year.
Today, we face the worst displacement crisis in recorded history with more than 65 million people who have been forced from their homes. There are more than 22 million refugees worldwide -- the worst refugee crisis the world has ever seen. More than half are children. Refugees are more than just a global figure; they are families torn apart, children who have witnessed profound violence, and people seeking a chance to rebuild their lives and raise a family in safety.
As people of faith and love who care about refugees, we must demonstrate a swift and powerful response, so that both the White House and Congress hear loud and clear that 45,000 is inexcusable and we must set a refugee admissions goal of at least 75,000.
CALL YOUR SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVES TODAY: 1-866-961-4293
Please call 3 times to connect with your Representative and both of your Senators
Sample Script: "I'm your constituent from [CITY/TOWN]. I strongly support refugee resettlement and am outraged by reports that President Trump has set the refugee admissions goal for next year at 45,000. I urge you to do everything in your power to see that the administration resettle at least 75,000 refugees in 2018. As we face a global refugee crisis with more than 22 million refugees, resettlement strengthens our national security, encourages other countries to keep their doors open to refugees, and advances our foreign policy interests. I call on you to protect the U.S. refugee resettlement program. My community welcomes refugees, and I urge you to reflect the best of our American values of compassion and hospitality."
Feel free to share a personal story about standing in solidarity with refugees. Let them know the specific ways that refugees contribute and are welcomed into your community.
Have questions about refugee resettlement, and about how you can raise your voice to support refugees? Contact Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Director, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries, at:
[email protected], or 202-957-7826.
Refugee & Immigration Ministries is a ministry of Disciples Home Missions in Partnership with the Christian Church Capital Area and the Disciples Center for Public Witness
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