Statement on the Potential Shutdown of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program

AsylumConnect strongly opposes any attempts by the administration to reduce or shutdown the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, the U.S. refugee resettlement ceiling has already been set at a historic low of only 30,000 refugees. Now, the Trump administration is considering a potential shutdown of the program.

“Any reduction or halt to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program would prove catastrophic for vulnerable and displaced people in urgent need of refuge. This plan threatens to strand thousands of refugees, including persecuted LGBTQ people, in dangerous environments. America must continue to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, who make our country stronger. Lives are at stake. ”

— Katie Sgarro, AsylumConnect Co-Founder & President

AsylumConnect joins the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in calling on the administration to raise – not lower – the refugee resettlement ceiling.