Dear John, 

Many people make the difficult decision to move away from their homes and families for school or job opportunities, but most people are not forced into it, as staying might mean certain death. Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants make long and arduous journeys to America to flee persecution, war, and grinding poverty in their home countries. Arriving with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, they seek to build better and safer lives for their families. 

On this World Refugee Day and during Immigrant Heritage Month this June, we invite you to add an Instagram and Facebook Effect to your profile pic and photo to show your support for a New York that includes all of us.

The majority of U.S. likely voters support access to asylum at the U.S. Southern Border—this is not a topic of contention for the public. Yet, more than 30 counties across New York State have issued executive orders barring New York City from temporarily housing asylum seekers in their regions. Given our history as a nation of immigrants, these orders don’t reflect who we are as Americans or as New Yorkers.

Today and throughout the month, use the NYIC’s Instagram and Facebook filters to tell these elected officials that they don’t speak for us! Immigrants and Refugees are Welcome Here!

Murad Awawdeh
Executive Director