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IRC monthly update
JANUARY 2021
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Explore the victories for refugees, asylum seekers and other new Americans during President Biden's first week-and find out what else the new administration can do.
Test your knowledge of the world's most critical crises
After four years of record low arrivals, explore how you can welcome refugees in your community
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Victories and next steps after President Biden's first week
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One week into President Joe Biden's term, his administration has already taken critical steps to support refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants and people around the world facing war and disaster.
To name just a few, the administration has: reversed the Trump Administration's discriminatory travel ban (often called the "Muslim ban"), introduced a sweeping immigration bill to Congress that could impact millions, and rejoined the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, making the U.S. a critical partner on global crises once again.
There are a lot of reasons to celebrate these critical wins but there is still work to be done. The IRC has outlined seven concrete actions within the new president's power and we're eager to see the administration accomplish even more of these goals.
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Chief among these is rebuilding the U.S. refugee resettlement program. Refugee arrivals declined by over 85 percent in the previous administration, even as more people were displaced around the world.
Refugee resettlement has historically been supported by both Democrats and Republicans. President Biden can increase the number of refugees welcomed in the U.S., as he committed to during his campaign, and ensure America lives up to its highest ideals.
Read more on critical actions the President Biden can take, including ways he can end inhumane asylum policies at the southern border and how the U.S. can help over 230 million people in low-income countries access the COVID-19 vaccine.
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P.S. As a valued supporter of the IRC, we wanted to be sure you saw a special opportunity to maximize your impact. If you become a Rescue Partner by making a monthly gift today, your first 12 gifts will be MATCHED, making an even bigger difference for refugees and displaced families facing humanitarian crises around the world.
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Rescue in action
12 ways you can stand for welcome
After four years of record low arrivals, we have an opportunity to rebuild refugee resettlement in the U.S. The IRC is eager to work with the administration and with communities to welcome and support refugees-and we'd love your help. Check out the 12 ways you can stand for welcome in your community and around the world.
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Beyond COVID-19: Test your knowledge of the world's worst crises
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic dominated news headlines worldwide, 2020 emerged as one of the worst years on record for humanitarian crises. Each year, the IRC releases a list of the ten crises we expect to significantly deteriorate over the course of 2021. Take our quiz to test your knowledge-and find out what can be done to help.
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As new conflict threatens Ethiopia, here's what you need to know
In 2020, conflict broke out in the northern Tigray region of Ethiopia, sparking ongoing violence and instability. At the same time, Ethiopia has been suffering from the largest locust outbreak in recent history, the deadly effects of climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about what the country will be facing in 2021.
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After fire destroys a refugee camp, a mother's hope survives
"People used to tell me, 'I wish I had your strength,'" Rahima Yousofi says. "I've been through a lot of hardships in my life. Even if I fall down a hundred times, I'll get back up again." The 47-year old from Afghanistan has worked as a prison manager in Kabul, escaped death threats from the Taliban, and survived a fire in Greece that destroyed an entire refugee camp-all while bringing up her five children on her own. Today, she is volunteering to protect her community from the coronavirus. Read Rahima's story
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One thing you can do
Call on President Biden to take action for refugees
Today, over 1.4 million refugees in the world are in need of resettlement. President Biden has committed to restoring the U.S. legacy of refugee protection by admitting up to 125,000 refugees in the first year of his presidency. Join the IRC as we call on the new administration to act quickly.
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IRC in the news
Without urgent action, billions could miss out on the COVID-19 vaccine this year
The IRC's senior director of health, Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessema, wrote in DevEx about the need for equitable vaccine distribution. "The pandemic and its aftershocks," he says, "will not end until everyone is accounted for and able to be vaccinated."
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