FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2016
PRESS CONTACT
Henrike Dessaules
hdessaules@refugeerights.org
646.459.3081
AFTER ELECTION RESULTS, IRAP VOWS TO CONTINUE ENFORCING LEGAL PROTECTION OF REFUGEES
New York, NY, NOVEMBER 14, 2016 – In response to the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) at the Urban Justice Center today issued the following statement:
“This election has shown how divided our country is, but it hasn’t changed our obligation to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those most in need. We cannot forget that this very moment, thousands of men, women, and children in Syria, Iraq, and elsewhere are fleeing war and persecution. IRAP’s mission to ensure legal protections for the most vulnerable refugees is more urgent than ever.
“For decades, the United States has been at the forefront of resettling those fleeing violence, offering safe haven to hundreds of thousands of refugees in the aftermath of both World War II and the Vietnam War with significant bipartisan support. In line with this tradition and America’s most fundamental values, we urge the President-elect to keep our doors open to those in danger. In particular, we call on the new administration to continue admitting refugees from the Middle East, which currently hosts the majority of refugees and plays a key role in the fight against terrorism.
“Welcoming refugees is not just a matter of human kindness, but of national security. As the United States opens its arms to those who have fled from terrorism, it promotes American ideals of freedom and democracy, counters the narrative of extremists, and protects our military and allies overseas.
“Now, more than ever, refugees are in need of good lawyers, and we will zealously advocate for our clients’ rights, at home and abroad. We look forward to working with a broad, bipartisan coalition to fulfill our humanitarian obligation and promote global security.”
To view the full press release as a PDF, click here: IRAP Vows to Continue Protecting Refugees Press Release Nov 14 2016
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