Statement from We Are All America regarding Secretary of State Pompeo’s announcement that refugee admissions to the U.S. will be capped at an all-time low of 30,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2019
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2018
Media Contacts:
Stephanie D. Stephens, Campaign Manager, We Are All America
[email protected]
(503) 849-0569
Oscar A. Chacón, Executive Director, Alianza Americas
and Co-Chair, We Are All America
[email protected]
Washington, DC – On September 17, Secretary of State Pompeo announced that the United States will slash refugee admissions to no more than 30,000 refugees in fiscal year 2019, a new all-time low number in the almost 40 year history of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. We Are All America, issued this statement in response:
“This country has always been a place where the persecuted, the downtrodden, and those who had nowhere else to turn, found a safe harbor. New Americans bring their determination, creativity and innovation to our country, and we must continue to value the contributions of all immigrants if we want to thrive as a nation. To turn our back on this promise now, at a moment when the refugee crisis is at its worst, is an abdication of one of this nation’s most fundamental principles.
This is part of the Administration’s systematic attack against refugee families, as it continues to dismantle the resettlement program. America can and should do better. The U.S. should commit to welcoming at least 75,000 refugees in FY19, and we urge Congress to weigh in immediately with the Administration around a robust refugee admissions goal.”
This month, We Are All America and its partners across the country are coming together in a spirit of welcome and support of all Americans, including refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, Muslims, and all those fleeing violence, persecution and climate disaster. With over 50 events in 22 states, people of goodwill are celebrating New Americans and demanding we continue to uphold our nation’s commitment to people seeking freedom, safety and refugee in the United States. We urge all Americans who share our welcoming values to join us or lead your own event.
Events can be found here: http://www.weareallusa.org/september
About We Are All America
We Are All America aims to uphold and strengthen our nation’s commitment to welcome and protect those seeking freedom, safety, and refuge in the United States.
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