Update on U.S. Refugee Admissions for Next Year
The outrage has been loud and growing since news broke that the Administration is considering shutting down the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Lawmakers and advocates have called the proposal "profoundly alarming," "a complete failure of moral leadership," and an "abdication of our nation's values." Here at USCRI, we couldn't agree more.
 For nearly 40 years, the U.S. welcomed an average of 95,000 refugees a year from all over the world. The Trump Administration reduced this number to 45,000 in 2018 and 30,000 in 2019. In 2020, the number could be as low as 5,000 to 10,000 - or even zero. It's clear that this administration places little value on helping people flee from tyranny and persecution.
Here at USCRI, we have been actively engaged on the ground. We've advocated against the proposal and called on others to do the same. Last week, USCRI sent a letter to the President co-signed by almost 50 partner agencies, calling for a return to historic norms of 95,000 refugees per year.
We continue to meet with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and around the country. Our efforts go on and we ask you to join us! Now is the time to make your voice heard:
- Contact your elected officials. (Not sure who they are? Find them here.)
- Tell your Senators and Representatives that you support increasing, not decreasing, the number of refugees admitted to the U.S.
- Urge your state and local officials to sign on to this national letter to support refugees in your community.
- Donate to USCRI and support our efforts on behalf of the world's most vulnerable people. As a nonprofit organization, we can't do it without you. Help us continue our work on behalf of those who need us the most. Donate now at refugees.org.
Emma Lazarus wrote these words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free ... Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” It is up to us to ensure America keeps that door open.
Eskinder Negash
President and CEO
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