Friend,
Let me tell you a story about Deborah, a Ugandan mom who was resettled in Ohio and is separated from her 3 daughters and 12-year-old son. Her petitions to reunify her family were approved by the U.S. government in January 2017 but have been delayed due to President Trump's executive orders. Just yesterday, the administration announced another refugee ban that will significantly delay Deborah's chance to see her children again, perhaps indefinitely.
The administration has announced a new three-month ban on refugees from Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and stateless Palestinians. The new executive order also indefinitely suspends the family reunification process for certain refugees who have been separated from their spouse and children as they have fled for safety. These announcements grind refugee resettlement to a halt, layering on policy changes that will result in long delays, family separation, and vulnerable refugees with no option for safety.
We are asking that you take action today! Tell Congress & the White House that you OPPOSE Trump's latest refugee ban. We have launched a new tool that makes it easier for you to call Congress, post on social media, and make your voice heard. Please click here to take action by choosing any or all of the four methods listed, to let elected officials know how you feel.
Make no mistake - this is another refugee ban by a different name. More than 65 million people have been forced to flee their homes. More than half of the world's 22 million refugees are children. These announcements are gut-wrenching for our community members who are waiting to be reunited with a family member, and for refugees overseas with no other option for safety than to be resettled, which is already their last resort.
It is critical that all Members of Congress and President Trump hear their constituents decry this refugee ban and declare their support for refugees from all over the world. This has been a long journey, and time and time again, you have shown up, standing for humanity. We are asking you to do this again-- because now is not the time to sit quietly.
We are grateful for your support and solidarity-- every day.
With Sincere Thanks,
