An unprecedented 68 million people, including 25 million refugees, have been forced from their homes around the world. This is the worst refugee crisis in history. With global need at its highest, the Trump administration has dismantled the refugee resettlement program and reversed our nation’s history as a world leader in refugee protection.
The administration set a new record-low refugee admissions goal for fiscal year 2019 at 30,000, and what’s worse, we are only on track to resettle 21,000 refugees this year – not even meeting this low goal. Refugees who we promised to protect are still awaiting safety, and families have been separated for years because of these drastic reductions.
As we approach the halfway point in the fiscal year on March 31st, we have a moral responsibility to hold the administration accountable to resettling at least 30,000 refugees this fiscal year, and to urge them to set the admissions goal for FY20 for at least 75,000 refugees. Together, we ask #WhereRtheRefugees?
We encourage you to join us this week alongside our partners at Church World Service and Refugee Council USA in asking our elected officials #WhereRtheRefugees?
How can you participate?
- Follow us on social media throughout the week as we’ll be sharing stories from Georgia’s refugees and the contributions they’re making to our state. Feel free to re-share these stories or create your own messages highlighting the importance of refugee resettlement and tagging your Senators and Congressman.
Here are sample posts:
- FACT: There are 68 million people displaced around the world, including 25 million #refugees – the highest number in recorded history. @realDonaldTrump administration cut #refugees admissions to just 30,000 for FY19. And now the U.S. isn’t even on track to meet this goal. #WhereRtheRefugees #RefugeesWelcome
- Halfway into the fiscal year, the U.S. is once again behind on refugee admissions. That means thousands of families are still seeking safety and a new home. Join us asking the administration: #WhereRtheRefugees? #RefugeesWelcome
- The U.S. was once known as a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution. Today, we are known for backing out of our responsibility to welcome the world’s most vulnerable. #WhereRtheRefugees #RefugeesWelcome
- Congress: You must support the U.S. refugee resettlement program. Admissions have been cut to a historic low of 30,000 and it looks like they all won’t make it. #WhereRtheRefugees #RefugeesWelcome
- Republicans and Democrats all agree: resettling refugees is part of who we are as a nation. Tell your member to support the refugee resettlement program. #WhereRtheRefugees #RefugeesWelcome
- Join National Call-in Day on Wednesday, March 27th! Tell Congress: Protect Refugees, Asylum Seekers, & Families Seeking Protection
Sample Script: “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 – and is not even on track to meet that goal. 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 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.”
