Save the U.S. Refugee Program!
Letter Campaign

“I sympathize with the refugees but how can I change government policy?!”

Here’s How

1. Write a letter. Below you will find a sample letter to your senators and representative asking them to push for higher funding levels, and thus more resettled refugees, for refugee assistance in the budget resolution that Congress will take up over the next month. [Read more about these budgetary issues in LIRS's March 2003 Washington Update column.]

You can use the text of the letter as a guide in composing your own letter. You may copy the text exactly, but adding a personal touch will give your letter more impact. If you have personal experience with refugees, mention it. Are there refugees in your community? Did your ancestors flee persecution? Does your church have missions in countries where people are oppressed? Tell your elected officials why the issue is important to you! Don't forget to include your mailing address, and let your members of Congress know that you are looking forward to their reply. [Read more about writing effective letters to elected officials.]

2. Send the letter. The addresses for your members of Congress is given on the sample letter.

3. If it is convenient, send a copy of the letter to LIRS' Washington office:

          122 C Street, NW
          Suite 125
          Washington, DC 20001
          Fax: 202/783-7502

Receiving a copy of your letter helps us know that members of Congress are hearing from their constituents.

4. Stop and think a moment. Who else would write a letter if you asked? Make a list of five people and contact them. Would your church or civic organization endorse such a letter? Get them to do one on their letterhead and encourage all members to hand write personal letters. Tell them that it is easy and won't take more than a few minutes.

Want to do more? Join with others to host a local event to popularize the issue and educate folks? Contact LIRS's Denise Peterson at 701/298-0288 or dpeterson@lirs.org to find out what's happening in your area.

5. Write again. This issue will probably take several months to resolve. Let your elected officials know that you haven't forgotten...and that they mustn't forget. Write one letter each month from now through September. Keep checking this site for updated information and resources.

Sample Letter to Senators and Representatives View letter in editable MS Word format for convenient personalization. [Your return address] [Date] The Honorable [senator's full name] United States Senate Washington DC 20510 OR The Honorable [representative's full name] United States House of Representatives Washington DC 20515 Dear Senator [Senator's last name] (or Representative [representative's last name]): I am deeply concerned about the government’s faltering commitment to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. I urge you to push for higher funding levels, and thus more resettled refugees, for refugee assistance in the budget resolution that Congress will take up over the next month. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is already in crisis, with only 3,823 refugee arrivals in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 out of the year’s allocation of 70,000. At this rate, even if admissions pick up significantly as the year progresses, fewer than 30,000 refugees will be resettled in the United States in 2003. The United States is a nation built by immigrants and we have a proud tradition of welcoming newcomers. The United States should have a refugee admissions program as generous as its people. Please do everything you can to ensure refugee admissions receive sufficient funding in the fiscal year 2004 budget to ensure a generous U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. I also urge you to contact President Bush and express deep concern with the current refugee admissions levels. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to receiving your response. Sincerely, [Signature] [Printed name]

Page updated March 11, 2003.