STATEMENT – LIRS Severely Disappointed that Government Shutdown is Being Used as Political Weapon
For Immediate Release:
December 22, 2018
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rebecca Heller
rheller@lirs.org
410-230-2746
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pat Nichols, Interim President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), one of the largest refugee resettlement agencies in the U.S., released the following statement today on Congress’ decision to shut down the government.
“LIRS is severely disappointed in the government’s failure to reach an agreement to fund operations for the next fiscal year and is instead allowing yet another government shutdown. The insistence on a harmful border wall that has little support outside of the White House is preventing real progress from being made.”
“A government shutdown has many harmful effects on Americans, including migrants and refugees, who depend on government services and personnel. It also directly impacts non-profit organizations like LIRS and the tens of thousands of people we serve. The wait and the temporary loss in vital services could be life-threatening.
It is unfortunate that a government shutdown is once again being used as a political weapon, with disregard for the real-life consequences for vulnerable communities. We urge the President to work with Congress to seek a prompt solution to ensure we keep our promise of hope to the hundreds of thousands of people looking to build a life in America.”
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Founded in 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is one of the largest refugee resettlement agencies in the United States. It is nationally recognized for its leadership advocating with refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, immigrants in detention, families fractured by migration and other vulnerable populations. Through more than 75 years of service and advocacy, LIRS has helped over 500,000 migrants and refugees rebuild their lives in America.