Nearly 500 Bipartisan State and Local Officials From All 50 States Welcome Refugee Resettlement in their Communities
September 12, 2024
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Henrike Dessaules, media@refugeerights.org
Nearly 500 Bipartisan State and Local Officials From All 50 States Welcome Refugee Resettlement in their Communities
Hundreds of Elected Officials Sign Bipartisan Letter to President Biden to Strengthen USRAP
(New York, NY) – Today, 477 state and local elected officials from across the country sent President Biden a letter urging him to “strengthen the U.S. resettlement program to improve our capacity to welcome, enable our communities to more nimbly provide humanitarian protection, and preserve the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for years to come.”
The bipartisan letter was released ahead of the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions, which will set the annual resettlement target for Fiscal Year 2025. The letter was organized by the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) and the Refugee Advocacy Lab (an initiative of Refugees International, IRAP, and Refugee Congress) in partnership with Amnesty International USA and Church World Service (CWS).
In the letter, officials from all 50 states and the District of Columbia express their strong support for welcoming refugees in their communities, reflecting the viewpoints of the majority of American voters. Some of the officials come from refugee backgrounds and know firsthand the importance of refugee resettlement.
State Representative My-Linh Thai (D-WA) said, “I am the first refugee elected to serve in the Washington State Legislature. I understand the reason why refugees seek refuge in the United States and I value refugees' contribution to our nation. It is a policy that separates our nation from many as being the home for those who amplify courageous voices.”
Hayward Council Member Daniel Goldstein (D-CA) said, “My Jewish ancestry includes generations of family members displaced from their birth countries due to persecution, with a third of my father's extended family exterminated because countries—including the U.S.—refused to take in refugees. The U.S. committed itself to protecting the innocent at the end of WWII. We should continue to honor the lives that fought for the innocent then by continuing to offer a safe haven for the displaced and persecuted today and in the future.”
Signatories include 27 mayors, including Justin Wilson of Alexandria, Lauren McLean of Boise, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Andrew Ginther of Columbus, Mike Johnston of Denver, Jordan Lioneld of Fayetteville, Nancy Vaughan of Greensboro, Chokwe Lumumba of Jackson, Ed Gainey of Pittsburgh, and Bruce Harrell of Seattle.
Mayor Ravinder Bhalla of Hoboken, New Jersey said, “Refugee resettlement is integral to the vibrancy and strength of American cities and communities. Refugees bring diverse skills, perspectives, and cultural richness, contributing to economic growth and innovation. They fill critical gaps in the workforce, revitalize neighborhoods, and bolster local economies. By integrating refugees into our communities, we cultivate an environment of mutual support and shared prosperity.”
Hundreds of city officials and other local elected leaders from all levels of government and across party lines signed the letter.
Ada Township Trustee Daniel Carter (R-MI) said, “Refugee immigration provides the USA with substantial long-term economic benefits, provides diversity and cultural enrichment, helps create demographic balance, and often leads to increased entrepreneurship and innovation. In addition, it enhances our position as a humanitarian world leader and a country to be admired and replicated.”
Bloomington Council Member Isak Asare (D-IN) said, “By welcoming refugees, Bloomington strengthens its social fabric, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect. This endeavor not only enhances our local economy through the skills and talents refugees bring but also inspires a shared sense of resilience and unity. Embracing refugee resettlement reflects our city's values of empathy and solidarity, building a brighter, more interconnected future for all residents.”
Fort Scott City Commissioner Matthew Wells (R-KS) said, “As Americans, we must realize that we are land built on refugees and immigrants. It is our sacred duty to welcome those who hunger for freedom, liberty, and Justice. Fort Scott exemplifies the belief that all should have that justice, that freedom, and that liberty.”
St. George Council Member Danielle Larkin (R-UT) said, “Safe, legal refugee resettlement is vital to our humanity and to the core values of our nation.”
Signatories also included 182 state legislators who recognize the importance of refugee resettlement in their districts and communities across their states.
State Senator Kim Jackson (D-GA) said, “Our refugee community in Georgia is full of incredible individuals from all walks of life, all professions, all backgrounds. They have the potential to bring much-needed skills to our state, from the healthcare profession to education and beyond. Creating pathways to safety for our refugee community can and will only deeply enrich our state, weaving together a fabric of diversity and community that works together to take care of all Georgians.”
State Representative Sarah Stalker (D-KY) said, “We have a social responsibility as people to help those who come to us in need, from one human to another. Louisville, Kentucky has a strong history of welcoming refugees with open arms and valuing the gifts that the individuals bring into our lives and our community at large. An inclusive and diverse community is a stronger and richer community.”
Many state and local officials highlighted the importance of funding and strengthening USRAP and refugee resettlement infrastructure.
Los Angeles County Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath (D-CA) said, "Los Angeles County recognizes the vital importance of funding for refugee resettlement in the United States. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is a testament to our nation's values, providing a lifeline to those fleeing persecution while providing invaluable contributions to our communities. It is crucial that we continue to invest in and sustain this robust program, ensuring that our nation remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for those in need. With greater federal support, we are ready to welcome refugees who seek safety and a chance to rebuild their lives, ensuring our communities thrive for years to come."
Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan C. Kinloch (D-MI) said, "The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is a vital legal pathway to safety for refugees fleeing persecution. As we face an unprecedented global refugee crisis, it is more important than ever to uphold our commitment to welcoming those in need. Refugees not only contribute to our economy, but also bring much-needed talent and expertise to key professions. We urge the President to continue to prioritize refugee resettlement and uphold America's legacy as a beacon of hope for those seeking safety."
The letter’s organizers celebrate the diversity of signatories as indicative of the broad level of support for welcoming refugees across this country.
Refugee Advocacy Lab Executive Director Kate Brick said, “The message from communities and their elected leaders across the country is clear: there is immense value in ensuring the United States remains a leader in welcoming people seeking safety. As we approach a critical election year, it is imperative that President Biden invest in the long-term sustainability and strength of the U.S. refugee resettlement program for years to come.”
IRAP Senior Policy Counsel and Refugee Advocacy Lab Senior Policy Advisor Balqees Mihirig said, “Outside of a vocal minority, refugee resettlement enjoys the support of the majority of Americans across the country. State and local officials from communities nationwide recognize the immense social and economic contributions of refugees. President Biden has a clear mandate to strengthen USRAP when he signs the Presidential Determination later this month.”
To view the letter and signatories, click here.