FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2019
PRESS CONTACT
Henrike Dessaules, hdessaules@refugeerights.org, 516.838.1269
IRAP STRONGLY DENOUNCES PROPOSAL TO SHUT DOWN REFUGEE ADMISSIONS IN COMING FISCAL YEAR
(New York, NY) – Recent news suggests that some officials in the Trump Administration have proposed to admit even fewer or no refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) next fiscal year. The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is appalled by and deeply concerned about this proposal, which would obliterate the already heavily backlogged resettlement process and leave tens of thousands of the most vulnerable refugees in prolonged danger, including persecuted religious minorities and Iraqis who served with U.S. forces overseas.
IRAP’s Policy Director, Betsy Fisher, said: “Admitting no refugees would be an unprecedented move in the history of U.S. efforts to protect refugees and an outrageous attempt at negating America’s humanitarian leadership and moral values. This incredibly dangerous proposal will leave countless lives in limbo, possibly for many years to come.”
Each year, the President, in consultation with Congress, determines the number of refugees projected to be admitted in the coming year, in line with global needs and capacity. Historically, the United States has admitted 95,000 refugees per year on average, with the current year being an extreme outlier at 30,000 projected admissions. In combination with its proposed asylum policies, the Trump Administration continues to attempt to systematically erase all options for people fleeing from persecution to reach safety.
IRAP urges the Administration to follow procedure and consult with Congress on the number of refugees that should be admitted in FY2020 and to fulfill America’s humanitarian obligation to protect refugees in need. IRAP also vows to continue to find pathways to safety for refugees and other displaced people in the United States and elsewhere.
To view the press release, click here.
International Refugee Assistance Project
www.facebook.com/RefugeeAssist/
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