Dear Friends and Supporters of Refugees in Lancaster and in the US,
Currently, the Trump administration is looking to set the refugee admissions goal at a drastic new low of 25,000 for fiscal year 2019. This reduction would follow this year's already historically low goal of 45,000. In large part due to systematic backlog and reduction of staff in overseas processing areas, less than 20,000 refugees have been resettled so far as we approach the end of this fiscal year, and if next year's goal is set even lower, actual admissions will continue to drop.
Right now, discussions are pending regarding national refugee admissions for the upcoming fiscal year. That means that RIGHT NOW, your voice can make the most impact with congressional and senate leaders. Next week, representatives are back in office. They will be preparing for the upcoming week when consultations on this issue will take place.
We anticipate the new refugee admissions numbers to be release in October 2018. We are running out of time. Your voice has never mattered more.
Tens of thousands of lives hang in the balance. Refugee resettlement saves lives, encourages other countries to keep their doors open to people needing protection, and promotes regional stability and global security. With over 28.5 million refugees in the world, we are experiencing the worst global refugee crisis in history. As people who care about refugees, we must make sure that our Members of Congress do everything they can to see the administration commit to resettling at least 75,000 refugees—and then provide the financial and staffing resources required to reasonably accomplish this-- next year.
CWS in Lancaster is looking for individuals to lift your voice in solidarity with our refugee neighbors from all over the world.
We have easy, tangible ways for you to be involved. Please email Stephanie Gromek or Christine Baer and we will strategically push action items to you. You don't have to be local, no meetings will be required if you can't make it, and you won't only have to call your representatives-- we have plenty of ways for you to engage.
In the meantime, here is the quickest way for you to be heard!
Call Congressional Offices 1-866-961-4293-- call the same number three times to connect to your 2 Senators and 1 Representative.
Here is an example of what to say:
"I'm your constituent from [CITY/TOWN], and I urge you to protect the refugee resettlement program from another drastic cut by the administration. The White House is considering setting the refugee admissions goal at 25,000 for next year, which would be a new all-time low. Please do everything in your power to see that the administration commits to resettle at least 75,000 in 2019. Resettlement is a core American legacy that allows refugees to rebuild their lives. My community welcomes refugees, and I urge you to reflect the best of our nation by supporting refugee resettlement."
We want to hear from you. We want our congressional leaders to hear from you.
Together, we can make a difference.
