Because the US has virtually closed its doors to refugees, resettlement and immigrant/human rights organizations have been encouraged by the willingness of Congressional representatives to form a bipartisan caucus which will form a base of support for legislation advancing the protection and welfare of refugees.
Given the low number of persons who can now look to the US for resettlement, urgent action is needed to redress this appalling situation. From a placement level of over 130,000 refugees just ten (10) years ago, the US is now bringing in about 27,000 persons. This is occurring in spite of a Presidential commitment to resettle 70,000 refugees in 2002 and 2003.
Obviously, the strength of this bipartisan caucus lies in securing sufficient numbers of representatives from both sides of the aisle to sign on to the caucus. Support for the refugee program has always been bipartisan. Bipartisan energy in support of refugees is needed more than ever.
Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and John Conyers (D-MI) are chairing the Caucus. More participation is needed. Make certain that your representatives are a part of this effort. You can locate your representative by going to www.house.gov.
A SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Congressperson _______________:
A bipartisan refugee caucus has been formed to ensure that our nation continues its tradition of being a nation which welcomes persecuted persons to its shores. We are especially concerned about the shrinking number of refugees now permitted to enter the US as well as the growing need for caring and protecting the nearly 14 million refugees stranded in miserable camps around the world. Congresspersons Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and John Conyers (D-MI) are jointly chairing this effort.
Everyone knows that refugees are contributors to our nation. The US has been the beneficiary of refugees and immigrants through most of its history. Resettlement is one way that the burden of responding to the world�s refugee crisis can be shared by a wealthy, generous nation such as the United States. It is also a means of rescuing a modest number of those whose only chance for safety and freedom is the chance to begin their lives anew in the US. When given such a chance, they add much to the social and economic fabric of our nation. To close the doors that allows these acts of rescue to happen is a serious violation of our national tradition. As members of a faith community, we are especially concerned that we are seemingly less willing to welcome the stranger.
Since millions of refugees languish in desperate circumstances overseas, the decline in protection and humanitarian assistance to these especially vulnerable persons is alarming. Women and children are among the most severely harmed by this reduction in aid.
Congress can play a role in ensuring that we remain a caring, compassionate, and hospitable nation. Knowing that those who represent us will seeking opportunities to ensure that this happens means much to me. If you have not joined the Caucus, would you please do so. As one of your constituents, I would be proud to how that the person representing me shares my view that America must continue to welcome persecuted refugees and respond generously to the suffering of those who await a chance to go home or find resettlement in the US.
Sincerely yours,
NAME OF CONSTITUENT
