One week ago, January 27, marked the second anniversary of the Muslim Ban. During this time, we've seen firsthand the painful human impacts of negative administrative changes and the series of refugee and Muslim bans. They have also endangered our capacity as a nation to welcome refugees - a core tenet across faith traditions.
Despite outcry from both Republicans and Democrats, the administration set the refugee admissions goal for Fiscal Year 2019 at 30,000 – a new record low. As the administration continues to dismantle the U.S. refugee resettlement program, it is critical that people of faith and conscience tell their Members of Congress to do everything in their power to protect refugees, demand that the administration at least meet this year’s admissions goal, and urge the administration to rebuild the resettlement program.
Tell Congress to Protect Refugee Resettlement
Click here
to receive a phone call from a (202) number that will connect you with your 2 Senators and 1 Representative.
Here’s an example of what to say:
“I’m your constituent from [CITY/TOWN], and I am outraged that the administration has set the lowest refugee admissions goal in the history of the resettlement program – at just 30,000. Resettlement is a core American legacy that allows refugees to rebuild their lives. I urge you to do everything in your power to see that, at the very least, the administration meets this year’s admissions goal and commits to resettling at least 75,000 refugees in FY 2020. I also urge you to affirm the right of all people to seek asylum and protection, and see that the administration processes and welcomes asylum seekers and respects family unity. To do otherwise violates U.S. and international law. My community welcomes refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, and I urge you to do the same.”
Here Are 3 More Ways to Take Action & Share Your Love for Refugees During the Feb. Congressional Recess, Feb. 15-24
:
- Amplify on Social Media: Please tweet at your Senators & Representatives, and click here for a social media toolkit with sample posts and graphics. Post on Facebook and Twitter using #NoMuslimBanEver #RefugeesWelcome #WhereRtheRefugees #GreaterAs1.
- Contact Your State & Local Elected Leaders: Your state and local leaders need to hear the same message. Tell them that your community welcomes refugees. To contact your state and local officials, visit: usa.gov/elected-officials. To tweet your state and local officials, click to find the twitter handles for your governor and state legislators.
- Local Congressional Visits February 15th-24: From February 15-24, Members of Congress will be in their local offices. Especially as this will be the 116th Congress’ first recess, it is a critical time when Senators and Representatives need to hear that their constituents care about refugees. Schedule your visits now, contact RIM with questions, and Click here for RCUSA’s February Recess Toolkit.
Thank you for taking action, and please share with your networks!
We invite you to support the ongoing work of
Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries
to ensure justice for refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. (Click "choose an option," and select "Refugee & Immigration Ministries.") And--check our
RIM website
for new refugee & immigration information often!
