John,

Welcoming people who have been forced to flee violence and persecution is a foundational value of this country. Many Americans want to welcome refugees: 70% of evangelicals say the U.S. has a moral responsibility to welcome refugees, and the success of recent sponsorship programs shows Americans’ commitment.

However, when President Trump took office in January, he signed an executive order to indefinitely suspend the United States Refugee Admissions Program, which has historically helped thousands of people enter and become a part of this country.

Urge your members of Congress to support restarting refugee resettlement and unfreezing refugee funding.

The executive order contends that the entry of additional refugees would be "detrimental to the interests of the United States." 

However, refugees have proven to be an integral part of our lives, our economy, and our communities, contributing to the workforce and becoming our neighbors and friends. Refugees are especially likely to start new businesses — and economists have identified that these types of new businesses are primarily responsible for job creation.

Tell your members of Congress to reinstate support and funding for the United States Refugee Admissions Program. 

The suspension of refugee resettlement has also frozen funding to refugee resettlement organizations, creating tumult and instability for those doing critical welcome work amid a decade-plus trend in increased global displacement.

Contact your members of Congress and urge them to unfreeze refugee resettlement and funding!

Thank you for your support,

Dan Kosten
Assistant Vice President of Policy & Advocacy
National Immigration Forum