I’m excited to see that the media is still writing about the leaders of the LIRS delegations that visited Capitol Hill for World Refugee Day, June 20. This time it’s The Argus Leader, the newspaper of record of Sioux Falls, which covered the important advocacy of Thag Poudyal.
In his July 8 article “Refugee Lobbies for Reform in D.C.” reporter Steve Young quotes Poudyal as saying: “I went to tell [Congress], ‘If refugees get a chance at resettlement, America is the champion for human rights and democracy. Their lives will be changed.'”
Young goes on to write about Poudyal, who is a caseworker for our wonderful friends and allies at Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota:
Two weeks ago, [Poudyal] was chosen by the national Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to take his story to Washington, D.C., and lobby South Dakota’s congressional delegation about immigration reform, and for more dollars to protect and assist the more than 15 million refugees worldwide.
His participation as part of a World Refugee Day delegation to D.C. was significant for several reasons. Only two dozen refugees nationwide, representing many different oppressed groups, were selected to go. Poudyal was the lone representative from South Dakota.
Please read the entire article and leave a positive comment. You can also show your support by promoting the link via Facebook and other social media, and by sending the link to your friends, colleagues, and family.
On World Refugee Day, LIRS delegates met with over 30 congressional offices. They encouraged lawmakers to move forward on comprehensive immigration reform, and to keep the plight of the world’s 15 million refugees in mind as they undertake that important work. After a day of LIRS briefings and trainings, Poudyal traveled to the offices of South Dakota’s congressional delegation and met staff members from the offices of Sens. Tim Johnson and John Thune and Rep. Kristi Noem.
We’re grateful to Poudyal for his advocacy on Capitol Hill, and we thank The Argus Leader for covering these important issues.
World Refugee Day is past, but the work of passing comprehensive immigration reform that improves life for refugees is only beginning. Please add your voice to that of Thag Poudyal by visiting the LIRS Action Center now and urging your elected officials to pass legislation with stronger provisions to welcome and protect refugees!