A special edition of our weekly newsletter.


** Welcome to This Week at LIRS!
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Every Friday, we catch you up on what's new at LIRS—from upcoming events to media appearances, important immigration updates, and more.

Late Wednesday night, the Trump administration released its proposal to resettle just 15,000 individuals in Fiscal Year 2021, which would be the lowest admissions ceiling since the inception of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

LIRS strongly opposes this proposal, and CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah spoke with multiple media outlets about this abdication of humanitarian leadership. See a selection below.
* The Washington Post ([link removed][UNIQID])
* CBS News ([link removed][UNIQID])
* The Guardian ([link removed][UNIQID])
* ABC News ([link removed][UNIQID])
* Forbes ([link removed][UNIQID]#7ae9da0bb845)

* The Week ([link removed][UNIQID])
* Texas Tribune ([link removed][UNIQID])
* Vox ([link removed][UNIQID])
* Reuters ([link removed][UNIQID])
* Associated Press ([link removed][UNIQID])

Disheartened by this news? You can make your voice heard. Send an email to your legislator through our action center and tell them you strongly condemn this low admissions goal and call for a robust refugee admissions goal of 95,000 in Fiscal Year 2021.

Contact Congress. ([link removed][UNIQID])


** P.S. To learn more about the refugee ceiling and the Presidential Determination and why they're so important, visit our FAQ page ([link removed][UNIQID]) .
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** A prayer for the Presidential Determination from Kristin Witte, Director of Outreach at LIRS.
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** Merciful God whose love knows no borders,
We ask you to guide our elected officials and those in positions of power that they will make decisions based on inclusivity and solidarity.
Open our minds to the need for a change in the Presidential Determination so that it reflects your call to hospitality and welcome.
Open our eyes to the suffering, fear, and humiliation often experienced by those attempting to come into our country. Inspire us to recognize our brothers and sisters, provide hospitality, and share the blessings we have received from your hand.
Open our hearts to those members of our one global family who have been forced to leave their homes and seek safety and welcome.

Draw us closer into your presence as we acknowledge that we are all migrants, journeying in hope to you.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
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** Coming Up
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Our Building Hope for Change series continues with a virtual event in the American Southwest. Join LIRS and special guests Rep. Ben Ray Lujan and Congressional candidate Teresa Leger Fernandez to learn more about what you can do to make a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees.

Register here ([link removed][UNIQID]) .

View this email in your browser. ([link removed])

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