Washington, DC (June 20, 2018) – On World Refugee Day, the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) calls on Congress to uphold its commitment to welcoming refugees and individuals seeking asylum.
“The global refugee crisis, as well as the family separations taking place at our own border, demonstrate the need for our leaders to commit ourselves to mitigating forced displacement of people due to war, poverty, or climate disruption,” said Diane Randall, FCNL Executive Secretary. “Congressional inaction on immigration and reducing the number of refugee families we resettle is an abdication of our moral responsibility.”
The United States has historically set a positive example for permanent refugee resettlement. However, amid the largest displacement crisis in history, the Trump administration set the lowest goal of refugee resettlement in the U.S. – 45,000 this year. Nine months into the fiscal year, the U.S. government is not even on track to meet half of this year’s low goal.
In observance of World Refugee Day today, Randall joined other faith leaders, members of Congress, and former refugees Uyen Nguyen and Deborah Jane at a press conference on Capitol Hill. Participants highlighted the positive contributions resettled refugees make to their communities, schools, local governments, and American society.
Nguyen, who fled Vietnam at 11 years old, is now a founding board chair of Emerge Washington. The organization recruits and trains women to run for public office.
From Uganda, Jane first fled to Kenya after surviving an acid attack for her work against domestic violence. Today, she works as a cake decorator and home caregiver for people with disabilities in Columbus, OH.
“We urge the Trump administration to invest in vigorous refugee resettlement at home and protection abroad,” Randall said at today’s press conference. “Resettling refugees permanently in the United States and ensuring that refugees are protected globally is an essential piece of our shared security across nations and peoples.”
FCNL calls on Congress to speak out for an increase in the number of refugees for resettlement to 75,000 in the next year.
You can find a copy of the press release below.
