As the world faces a global refugee crisis, it is vital the U.S. support, protect and welcome refugees. Resettlement is a life-saving option available to less than one percent of the displaced population who are unable to return home or stay in the country to which they fled.
Our government will soon determine the maximum number of refugees allowed to come to this country in the next fiscal year, and your help is needed to make sure that number is at least 75,000.
Here’s how you can help:
STEP ONE: Find the phone numbers for your elected officials.
STEP TWO: Call your senators and congress person. Use these suggested talking points from JFS and HIAS.
- I’m a constituent from [City, State]. As the world faces more displaced people than at any time since World War II, I believe it is critical for the U.S. to show continued support for protecting and welcoming refugees.
- I urge you to actively encourage the Trump administration to welcome at least 75,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2018, and urge the President to maintain the fundamentally non-discriminatory nature of the program.
- I believe that welcoming and protecting refugees makes us stronger as a community and as a country. It is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do, advancing U.S. national and foreign policy interests.
- Resettling refugees is tangible proof that the U.S. is a beacon of inclusion and hope that offers a strong counterweight to the anti-American narratives of terrorist organizations, like ISIS.
- While the number of refugees is at the highest point in human history, the U.S. government must do more — not less — to support refugees. We cannot forget that this is not about a number. It is about saving lives.
- [Personal stories are very effective. If you have a personal story or reflection on why your values and history compel you to take action for refugees, add it here].
STEP THREE: Increase support for refugees. Ask your family and friends to also call their elected officials. Share this blog post on social media.
This blog post has been adapted, with permission, from the HIAS website. Jewish Family Service of Seattle is one of only 18 HIAS resettlement partners in the U.S. HIAS works directly with the U.S. State Department and refers vetted refugees to JFS for resettlement.
For more refugee facts and advocacy actions, ‘Like’ JFS Seattle on Facebook.
Photo by Tom Thai.
