On September 29, 2017, the White House announced a refugee cap of 45,000 for the 2018 fiscal year. FCNL condemns this unacceptably low number, as it abandons our country’s values and the people who need our help the most.
By abandoning refugees, we turn our backs on our long history and tradition of welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution. We in the faith community are committed to welcoming those experiencing hardship, but the Trump administration’s proposed cap would fly in the face of all that we stand for by further shutting the door on the most vulnerable in our communities. This presidential determination is the lowest ever in the history of the program. The United States already has one of the most strenuous screening processes in the world for refugees entering the country, so claiming this drastic reduction as necessary for national security is a gross misdirection. Instead, it appears to be yet another step by the administration to carry out a xenophobic and fear-mongering agenda.
We urge members of Congress to call for a more humane approach to our country’s refugee policy. FCNL and other refugee advocates ask for a minimum of 75,000 refugees for fiscal year 2018. We cannot let the United States turn its back on those seeking safe haven.
