Press Release

 

 

For Immediate Release
Contact: Joanna Taylor ,
202-256-1395
May 4, 2021 

**Conservative, Moderate Voices Applaud Refugee Ceiling Increase**

**WASHINGTON, D.C.** - President Biden's Monday increase to the
refugee admissions cap is being hailed as a victory by progressive
advocates and conservative faith leaders alike, underscoring the broad
support and deep commitment to refugee resettlement across the country.

Conservative evangelicals, law enforcement leaders, and others were
among the wide spectrum of voices that urged Biden to increase the
refugee ceiling to 62,500 from a historic low of 15,000. They are now
applauding the decision - and looking forward to welcoming newcomers
to their communities.

"The far-reaching support for President Biden's increase in the
refugee admissions ceiling makes it clear that welcoming refugees
isn't a Democratic or Republican issue - it's an American one,"
said

**Ali Noorani, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum**.
"From evangelical pastors to refugee advocates to police chiefs, there
is overwhelming support for refugees - and a willingness to welcome
them into local communities."

"Through our advocacy and our vote, we asked the President to restore
the American values that made us who we are today. As a great nation of
immigrants, we can stand proudly behind the reinstatement of a refugee
policy that recognizes the humanity and dignity of vulnerable people
from around the world," said

**Tess Clarke, Director of We Welcome Refugees.** "Not only will
refugees find a place to be safe from the harms they've fled,
Americans will benefit from their spirit of ingenuity and tireless
desire to thrive."

We Welcome Refugees, a "grassroots community of women committed to
living out Christlike hospitality for all God's children," led a
petition urging
the administration to raise the historically low annual admissions cap
which garnered upwards of 5,000 signatures. Evangelical leaders
 also
urged the president to raise the ceiling, and commended Monday's
announcement.

Law enforcement leaders have also applauded the increase, pointing to
the positive impact of refugee resettlement on local communities.

"Refugees contribute to the health and well-being of communities across
Iowa - from starting small businesses to revitalizing our
neighborhoods. I applaud President Biden's decision to raise the refugee
ceiling," said

**Police Chief Mike Tupper from Marshalltown, Iowa.** "I look forward to
welcoming refugees, and ensuring they play an integral role in our
communities, for years to come."

Below are additional quotes from faith leaders, police chiefs and
refugee advocates across the country:

**Eric Costanzo, Lead Pastor, South Tulsa Baptist Church, Tulsa,
Oklahoma:**"I am so thankful President Biden listened to the voices of
hundreds of evangelical pastors and leaders asking him to keep his
promise to resume and increase resettlement of refugees who are deeply
loved by Christ and are to be deeply loved by His Church."

**Chris Hall,** 

**Associate Missions Pastor, Houston Northwest Church:**"Today is a
great reminder of one of America's greatest strengths, welcoming those
that are looking for a new hope, new start and a new home. During these
challenging global times turning the tide to a course in the right
direction is a step in the right direction for this current presidential
administration. With this great opportunity on the horizon for many may
we, as a country, be ready to respond with open arms ready to show them
what it means to pursue life, liberty and justice for all."

**Police** 

**Chief Andy Harvey, Pharr, Texas:**"I support President Biden's
increased cap on refugee admissions. As a police chief, I've seen
immigrant communities add value to our cities. I am ready to welcome
refugees and work with them to keep our communities safe."

**Mary Kaech, Executive Director of Phoenix Refugee Connections:**"I'm
relieved to see our nation return to its proud tradition of welcoming
some of the world's most courageous people: refugees who have survived
war and persecution. For us to do this well, however, it's going to
require more than government offices and social workers. Individuals,
families, groups of friends, and faith communities need to enfold these
new neighbors into our communities. I especially call on local churches
to respond to God's repeated commands to love the foreigner - not with
words or speech but with actions and in truth - by partnering with
refugee-resettlement agencies in their cities.

**Police Chief Brian Kyes, Chelsea, Massachusetts:**"America is a
nation that welcomes refugees. President Biden's move to raise the
admissions ceiling is a step in the right direction to ensure that we
live up to our American values."

**Lauren Snodgrass, Program and Church Engagement Coordinator, Nazarene
Compassionate Ministries:**"While I am thankful that the President
listened and realized the US must do its part in continuing our long
history of welcoming refugees home, this number still reflects the
damage that has been done to the refugee resettlement structure over the
last four years. We must commit to rebuild our resettlement agencies and
processing infrastructures in order to remain true to who I believe we
are as a nation. We are a nation of immigrants." 

**Mark Snodgrass, Senior Pastor, Church of the Nazarene in Bentonville,
Arkansas**:
"As a faith community, we are thankful for President Biden's action that
moves the refugee quota closer to historic norms. This program welcomes
displaced and vulnerable people to the United States and gives the
American church an opportunity to practice the grace of hospitality, a
hallmark of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I pray for faith
communities across our nation to come together and welcome these new
friends into their lives as an extension of grace and as a means of
experiencing it in a new way through fellowship with their new
neighbors." 

**Michele Suffridge, Executive Director, Refugee Hope Partners,
Raleigh, North Carolina:** 
"I am thrilled that President Biden has raised the refugee cap to the
62,500 that he promised during his campaign. The legacy of refugee
resettlement is strong.  These families arrive in our country having
weathered unfathomable tragedy, giving up everything they have ever
known for the possibility of a safe future. Many churches are activated
and ready to welcome new neighbors to our city. Refugee Hope Partners
exists to love our refugee neighbors with the hope of the gospel in
partnership with the local church. We are privileged to walk alongside
them as neighbors and friends so that ALL may thrive."  

**Eileen Wilson, Director, The Hope Center, Refugee and Immigrant
Ministries Building Hope in the City, Cleveland:**"We are cautiously
optimistic to see the numbers increase but hope that we will at least
move back to the pre-Trump era numbers in the foreseeable future."

###

 

 

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