Washington, D.C. – Donald Trump’s first presidency ushered in one of the most regressive eras for immigrant and refugee rights in modern U.S. history. His administration implemented policies rooted in exclusion, xenophobia, and fear-mongering, targeting some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. From the Muslim travel ban to the drastic reduction of refugee admissions, these actions directly attacked the core values of compassion, inclusion, and opportunity that define America’s identity.
Immigrants and refugees are the backbone of America, essential to its economy and society. With over 50 million calling this country home, we are the workers, caregivers, and innovators who drive growth and prosperity. America cannot function without us. Excluding immigrants and refugees harms not only our communities but also weakens the nation, betraying its core values of freedom, opportunity, and hope. History shows that rejecting us doesn’t just undermine these principles—it erodes the very foundation of our strength. We know that when immigrants and refugees are turned away, it is not just our communities that suffer; it is the heart of America itself.
Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as America enters a new chapter, we—immigrants and refugees—stand united, shoulder to shoulder, carrying forward the dream of Dr. King’s fight for equality for all. And we say: we will not be silenced, and our communities will thrive, no matter the challenges we face.
“As an Afghan asylee, I know the struggles and the pain of displacement firsthand. And as a proud Mainer, I believe that our stories—those of immigrants and refugees—our resilience, and our contributions are what truly make America stronger,” said Fatima Saidi, Director of the We Are All America coalition. “We are immigrants and refugees who chose America as our new home—we are builders of communities, carriers of hope, and protectors of dreams. I have faith in our country that no policy or administration can destroy the deep-rooted American culture of welcoming those in need and opening our doors to refugees and immigrants. We are one big family, and we will always center the most vulnerable among us. Together, we will ensure that no voice is silenced and no one is left behind. America is our home, and we belong at home.”
“As a first-generation immigrant and the child of Iranian refugees, I’ve seen firsthand how fear and division can tear communities apart,” said Anahita Panahi, Deputy Director of Refugee Affairs with CHIRLA and member of the WAAA National Refugee and Immigrant Leadership Table. “Under Trump, we felt the full force of those tactics, but now we’re stronger and more prepared. We’ve learned from the past, and we’re standing up for our refugee and immigrant communities like never before.”
“As we reflect on the significance of Inauguration Day coinciding with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are reminded of the ongoing struggle for justice, equity, and inclusion in our nation,” said Paul K. Mwingwa, member of the WAAA National Refugee and Immigrant Leadership Table and Refugee Congress Delegate for Montana. “Dr. King’s legacy inspires us to stand firm in our commitment to ensuring dignity and opportunity for all, especially in the face of policies that may marginalize vulnerable communities.”
“As a refugee woman, I find strength in Dr. King’s words: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Our journey is one of resilience, courage, and hope. We carry his legacy forward by striving for equality, inclusion, and the chance to rebuild our lives with dignity and purpose,” said Kawser Amine, North California Refugee organizer with CHIRLA and member of the WAAA National Refugee and Immigrant Leadership Table.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, with over 25% owned by immigrants and refugees. Supporting this community means investing in innovation, growth, and a vibrant economy for us all,” said Archana Srajan, member of the WAAA National Refugee and Immigrant Leadership Table and business consultant at Experian.
“From the shores of California to the heights of Maine, I will continue sharing immigrant stories to bring us together—regardless of our legal status, place of birth, or the reason we left home,” said Mehran Sorourian, public speaker, podcaster, coach and member of the WAAA National Refugee and Immigrant Leadership Table. “I dream of a day when our children will see an America as envisioned by our immigrant founding fathers—an America free of racism, sexism, and misogyny. ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal’—an America where immigrants are not demonized but valued for their contributions.”
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We Are All America works to uphold and strengthen our nation’s commitment to welcome and protect those seeking freedom, safety, and refuge in the United States. We organize people across religious and cultural differences to build inclusive communities where we all belong.
