Friday, June 19, 2020

Tell Congress to Honor Refugees for World Refugee Day - June 20th

Tell Congress to Cosponsor Bipartisan Resolution Commemorating 40th Anniversary of the Refugee Resettlement Program and Honor Refugees on World Refugee Day on June 20th

Crises test who we are as a nation – and we are stronger when we are united. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how interconnected and interdependent the world is. In our shared vulnerability, we have realized that our strength as a human community lies in our togetherness. We are safer when we care for all of our neighbors, listen to public health experts, and resist medical prejudice and scapegoating. The crisis has also shown us that we each have a role to play, and every one of us counts.

On Saturday, June 20th - and throughout June - we join people across the world to celebrate the courage and resilience of refugees, recognizing the hardships they have faced and the new lives they have created. Now is a time to come together in an exceptional show of human solidarity and kindness. As refugees and friends of refugees in the United States, we celebrate the positive impact refugees have on U.S. communities. We know the challenges newcomers face are more significant than ever and that we must rally in support of preserving the resettlement program and promoting policies that help refugees rebuild their lives in the United States.

Amid the current COVID-19 crisis, we stand in solidarity with our refugee neighbors and commemorate World Refugee Day. This year is also the 40th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, which formalized the U.S. resettlement program and asylum system. This anniversary is historic. Please join us in taking action to underscore the spirit of welcome and solidarity and the contributions of refugees in our communities.

It is more important than ever to meet with your localstate, and national policymakers to educate them about the vital role that refugees and all newcomers play in your community. Because change takes time, engaging with policymakers should be viewed as part of a continuing process of sharing information, building relationships, and having policymakers consider refugees’ perspectives when they make decisions that impact refugees' lives.

Individuals who oppose refugee resettlement are making their voices heard loudly and frequently to policymakers. These groups utilize anti-refugee, anti-immigrant, and anti-Muslim rhetoric and draft legislation to engender fear and foster hostile atmospheres for newcomers. If we want politicians to support favorable legislation and oppose proposals that would turn our backs on refugees and violate our values of welcome and hospitality, then they need to hear from refugees and supportive community members.

Take Action!

As we approach World Refugee Day on June 20th, now is the time to make your voices heard to tell your Members of Congress to stand in solidarity with refugees and support refugee resettlement. During this challenging time, crises test who we are as a nation. In recognition of the sacrifice, resilience, and contributions of refugees - including the hundreds of thousands working on the frontlines of pandemic response - now is the time to make your voice heard.

Email Your Members of Congress Today!


Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/02Zz7epCcxcXp4lwCBGceQ

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