“Taking away legal status from hundreds of thousands of people is more than just a policy change; it’s a humanitarian crisis that affects real lives and the hope that brought people here… Behind every revoked status is a story, a family, and a dream. No one should be sent back to danger.”

Women’s History Month is not only a time for reflection but also a call to recognize the resilience and impact of women who have shaped our lives and communities, both locally and globally. This month, we honor the refugee women who, despite unimaginable hardships, continue to inspire change, uplift their communities, and advocate for a more just and compassionate world. Their contributions remind us that the struggle for a better world is ongoing – and that we must continuously support policies that protect and empower displaced people.

While we celebrate and honor the 45th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, we recognize that recent executive orders and actions taken by the Trump administration have threatened our national legacy, endangering the lives of so many people seeking safety and even those who have already found refuge in the U.S. These targeted efforts aim to dismantle the system that protects our neighbors, and directly oppose our collective values of welcome and safety. Still, Americans have made it clear: refugees are welcome.

“Today, we watch a transition of leadership that was borne out of a democratic process but is also a reminder of the fragility of democracy, when not upheld and protected. We must honor this day, and honor Dr. King by standing by our neighbors, welcoming those who seek refuge, and protecting the rights of our most vulnerable community members.”

“Together, we hold the power and the responsibility to not just avert but eliminate the threat of genocide from our era so that what we as genocide survivors have experienced is truly only in our past,” said Ayda Zugay, Delegate for Massachusetts.