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Washington Update
June 2000
Taking a Stand for Refugees
By Merrill Smith, LIRS Washington Representative
U.S. commitment to refugees is in decline. In recent
years, our resettlement of refugees has declined by more than 42 percent:
In 1993 the admissions ceiling was set at 132,000, well under one percent
of the worldwide total even then. In 2001 the ceiling may be 76,000 or
even lower. Reduced financial appropriations may cut that figure even
more drastically. Essential overseas protection may also be reduced.
You can help reverse this trend by writing and calling
your members of Congress. When contacting them, remember the following:
- Ask your members of Congress to contact their colleagues
on the Senate and House foreign operations appropriations subcommittees.
These subcommittees determine the funding for refugee support and resettlement.
- Clearly state your request. State your support for
the Refugee Council USA's* recommendation for an appropriation of at
least $700 million to the Migration and Refugee Assistance account in
fiscal year 2001.
- Clearly state your reasons. Address the continuing
global needs presented by 13 million refugees worldwide. Note that admissions
to the United States already serve less than one half of one percent
of that number. Point out the importance of the aid and protection provided
by international organizations such as the International Committee of
the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Recall that our nation was built by immigrants and that many of our
ancestors fled persecution to build new lives here-strong motivation
for reaching out to others in similar need. Share stories of refugees
who have successfully integrated into your community.
- Repeated contact is effective. Consider writing three
times this summer. If you can make a personal visit, that would add
even greater impact.
For sample letters and a full list of subcommittee members,
visit www.lirs.org. Endorsements from your church, labor, business or
civic organization on their letterhead can also have significant impact.
If you would like to meet with others in your district to explore other
ways to help, please contact LIRS's Washington office at 202/783-7506
or lirswdc@aol.com.
*The Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) is a coalition of
refugee resettlement and human rights advocacy organizations chaired by
LIRS President Ralston H. Deffenbaugh Jr. RCUSA has prepared a 27-page
consultation document on this issue. To obtain a copy, contact RCUSA at
202/541-5402.
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