FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2019
PRESS CONTACT
Henrike Dessaules
516-838-1269
IRAP STRONGLY CONDEMNS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S LATEST ATTACKS ON REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
(New York, NY) – Today, the President issued his Report to Congress on Proposed Refugee Admissions for FY2020, which proposes an unprecedented low refugee admissions goal of just 18,000. Prior to this administration, the historical average used to be 95,000. The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) strongly opposes this proposal, which would cause even more harm for thousands of refugees in dire situations, at a time when the global need for resettlement is higher than ever.
President Trump also issued a new executive order that would give state and local governments the authority to block refugee resettlement in their jurisdictions. IRAP strongly condemns this xenophobic policy, which is not only unlawful, but stands in direct opposition to longstanding American values of welcoming and providing safe harbor to displaced individuals fleeing persecution.
A recent letter sent to President Trump shows that hundreds of state and local officials from 46 states do, in fact, strongly support refugee resettlement in their communities, and are concerned about decreasing U.S. refugee resettlement.
IRAP’s Director of Strategy, Betsy Fisher, said: “Combined, the shockingly low refugee admissions goal and the executive order will all but ensure that people in need of safety will be left in dangerous conditions and separated from their families. These policies will prevent refugees from being resettled, even though communities across the nation stand ready to welcome them.”
In response to the new executive order, IRAP is exploring legal action to challenge this order. IRAP also urges the President to follow procedure and the law and consult with Congress prior to making a final determination on the number of refugees to be admitted.
To view the press release, click here.
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