U.S. Bishops Migration Chair Condemns Administration Plans for the Third Consecutive Mass Reduction in Refugee Resettlement
September 27, 2019
WASHINGTON — For the third consecutive year, the
Administration plans to slash the number of refugee admissions for the coming
fiscal year, ordering a new record low of 18,000 refugees. That would represent
a 40% drop from last year’s already historic low of 30,000. Bishop Joe S.
Vásquez of Austin, and Chairman of the Committee on Migration of the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued the following statement:
“We are currently in the midst of the world’s greatest
forced displacement crisis on record, and for our nation, which leads by
example, to lower the number of refugee admissions for those who are in need is
unacceptable. Refugees are among the most vulnerable people, fleeing war,
religious persecution, and extreme targeted violence. Turning a blind eye to
those in need with such callous disregard for human life would go against the
values of our nation and fail to meet the standards that make our society
great.
“We also have deep concerns about the forthcoming Executive
Order permitting state and city officials to turn away refugees from their
communities. We fear the collateral negative consequences, especially for
refugees and their families, of creating a confusing patchwork across America
of some jurisdictions where refugees are welcomed and others where they are not.
“Given the unprecedented humanitarian need and the crucial
global leadership role that our country plays, we strongly urge the
Administration and Congress -- as they engage in the consultation phase
mandated by statute -- to work together to restore U.S. refugee resettlement to
at normal, historical levels.”
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Keywords: USCCB, United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Refugees, Presidential Determination,
President Trump
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