The President is required to set the Presidential Determination of Refugee Admissions for the upcoming fiscal year by September 30th. Current rumors state this admissions number could be set as low as zero to 15,000 refugees. We call upon our supporters to contact your elected officials and urge them to insist the Administration set refugee admissions at 95,000 refugees, the yearly average of admissions since 1980. Below you will find resources for advocacy and sample texts.
Pro-Refugee Letter for Business Leaders
Encourage your state/local leaders to sign a letter supporting refugees
Join the LSSNCA Take Action Team for advocacy updates
Sample Letter to Member of Congress
The Honorable [Full Name]
[Office Address]
Washington, DC
Dear Senator/Representative [Last Name]:
As your constituent, I am deeply concerned about the low number of refugees that have arrived in fiscal year 2019 and urge you to increase the number of refugees in fiscal year 2020 to 95,000 so that we continue to provide refuge for the most vulnerable. We are facing the worst refugee crisis in recorded history with over 70 million forcibly displaced people in the world, including 25.9 million refugees, over half of whom are children. Refugees are of special humanitarian concern to the United States and are a testament to our nation’s long, proud history as a beacon of hope.
[Share a personal story about why helping and welcoming refugees is important to you (your faith, your community, your business, your family or background etc.) Let them know the specific ways that refugees benefit and are welcomed into your community, and why refugee protection is so important to you. If your church serves as a Good Neighbor Partner with LSSNCA, let them know and explain the ways this mutual relationship has benefited you and the church community. Make it personal!]
Since World War II, the U.S. has been the global leader in offering refuge to people escaping persecution, war or violence in their home country. I know the U.S. is capable of doing more and call on you to hold the Administration accountable to returning to historic norms and setting an admissions goal of at least 95,000 in fiscal year 2020. I would appreciate if you let me know your action on this matter.
Sincerely,
Signature
Name (print)
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Sample Call Script to Member of Congress
My name is [NAME] and I’m your constituent from [CITY/TOWN]. [As a person of faith] I am deeply concerned of the low refugee admissions in fiscal year 2019. Protecting vulnerable populations is not a zero-sum game. Refugee resettlement facilitates U.S. diplomatic, national security, and foreign policy interests.
We can and should protect refugees and others fleeing violence and persecution.
The White House is required to consult with Congress prior to setting the refugee admissions number. As a member of Congress, you are uniquely poised to advise the Administration to increase the refugee admissions cap to at least 95,000 in the coming fiscal year.
Our country has both the capacity and responsibility to take in the world’s most vulnerable. As your constituent, I urge you to choose policies that provide refuge for vulnerable individuals seeking protection and defend America’s legacy of welcoming refugees, and reach out to the President and members of the Judiciary Committee to tell them that your community welcomes refugees.
My community/congregation welcomes refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, and I urge you to represent us accordingly. Thank you for your time and consideration.
You can also tweet @ your Senators/Representatives with the same message, by using #WhereRtheRefugees and #RefugeesWelcome
Serve Boldly 