FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2017
CONTACT: media@cwsglobal.org | 202-733-5151
CWS DENOUNCES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S INSUFFICIENT 45,000 REFUGEE ADMISSIONS CAP
Nothing less than a 75,000 refugee admissions target is remotely adequate
After media reports that the Trump administration has decided to move forward with a refugee admissions goal of just 45,000 for the next fiscal year, Erol Kekic, the Executive Director of the CWS Immigration and Refugee Program, issued the following statement:
“This is an absurdly low refugee admissions goal for the United States –especially against the bleak backdrop of a global migrant crisis that has now displaced more than 66 million people from their homes. The proposed limit of 45,000 people–the lowest ceiling in our history–is a moral outrage that deepens an ongoing humanitarian crisis and undermines America’s role as a global leader.
“The argument that the Department of Homeland Security lacks capacity to interview refugees is absurd, especially as they recently announced that they have the resources to spy on immigrants, including naturalized US Citizens.
“President Trump continues to defy hard facts, bipartisan support, and the overwhelming will of the American people who stand for welcome. CWS will not cease to advocate for our refugee and immigrant brothers and sisters. We urge all our elected officials to follow suit.”
Since 1946, Church World Service has supported refugees, immigrants and other displaced individuals, in addition to providing sustainable relief and development solutions to communities that wrestle with hunger and poverty. Learn more about our work and join our global homebase for refugee solidarity at GreaterAs1.org.