Refugee Congress Condemns Trump’s Executive Order Endangering People Seeking Safety
On Monday, President Trump signed a series of Executive Orders attacking the rights and dignity of refugees, asylum seekers, and people seeking safety in the U.S., as well as the communities that support them.
Among these dangerous proposed policies are an indefinite suspension of the lifesaving U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program, suspension of all pending asylum appointments, reinstatement of the dangerous ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, an end to critical humanitarian parole programs, and efforts to block the reunification of families that were separated during Trump’s first term.
Falsely branded as a way to make America safer, these policies do the exact opposite and instead put people and families directly in paths of danger while also harming American communities and our economy. These policies violate U.S. laws that grant people fleeing violence and persecution the right to seek asylum, and dismantle critical pathways and protections for those seeking safety. The President’s actions demonstrate a lack of understanding of how vital our new neighbors are to our communities, and show a disregard for the voices of American voters, a majority of whom support refugee resettlement and access to asylum for our most vulnerable neighbors.
As an organization led by people who built a new life here in the U.S., we know firsthand that welcoming refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and newcomers makes America safer and stronger. Refugee Congress strongly condemns this unnecessary and inhumane targeting of our neighbors, and we remain dedicated to advocating for the rights, safety, and dignity of all who have been forcibly displaced and who seek safety in the United States.
“The U.S. has a proud history of being a place where refugees, asylum seekers, and other displaced people have sought refuge and rebuilt their lives, and they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities, culturally and economically,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director of Refugee Congress. “Though unsurprising, the policies announced today by the Trump administration run counter to these truths; they are unnecessary, cruel, and a complete anathema to our country’s values. From the reinstatement of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy to the halting of refugee resettlement, these Executive Orders will set us on a dangerous path that places millions of people who are seeking safety at grave risk. All of us at Refugee Congress stand firm in our resolve to confront and push back against these harmful practices.”
“The spirit of America for centuries has been based on becoming a land of hope for the hopeless, the persecuted religious minorities, immigrants, refugees, and people in search of safety and a new home,” said Teklit Michael, Delegate for Maryland. “Refugees and other displaced people are not a drain on our country’s resources, but a group of people chomping at the bit to live up to their full potential and use their skills and strengths to make America even greater. The American people should know the truth and value of refugees and immigrants based on real studies and statistics, not on fear of outsiders or deception. If this executive order comes to fruition, the core idea of America and the founding fathers’ dream will no longer exist. In its place, tyranny, deception, cruelty, and hopelessness will flourish.”
