Today, 65 million people are displaced globally due to violent conflicts – the highest number in recorded human history. Last year, President Obama increased the number of refugees that the U.S. will resettle.
Unfortunately, the U.S. refugee resettlement program is at risk due to insufficient funding and vocal opposition to the program. Though the number of refugees has increased, Congress has not increased funding for resettlement programs, meaning those being resettled may struggle to rebuild their lives due to inadequate services. Additionally, as you read this email anti-refugee groups are on the Hill making their stances loud and clear to our elected officials. With such strong and constant anti-refugee voices, we must join together to ensure that refugees are welcomed and warmly embraced in the U.S.
TAKE ACTION: Call the following numbers to be connected to your Senator(s) and/or Representative. If you can, we suggest you call your Representative as well as both of your Senators!
1-866-940-2439 – House of Representatives
1-866-961-4293 – Senate
Once connected, you can use or adapt this script:
Hello, my name is _______ and I’m calling from [town name, state name]. Please tell the [Senator/Rep] that I support refugee resettlement and want to see the U.S. resettle more refugees. [Senator/Rep X] should support increased funding for both international refugee assistance and for refugee resettlement in the U.S. Thank you for your time!
Last year, we worked together to save the U.S. refugee resettlement program as we know it. Thank you for continuing to take action to support and protect refugees. Your sustained action makes a tremendous impact!
This action was originally created by:
Savannah Wooten
STAND Student Director
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ‘17