U.S. Refugee Program Needs to Be Saved

Rod's letter appeared in the Cape Cod Times, March 11, 2018

The Trump administration is dismantling America’s refugee program, piece by piece, life by life. The 22 million worldwide driven from their homelands watch as this once-welcoming nation closes its doors.

The U.S. received 85,000 refugees in 2016, with a goal of 110,00 for 2017. But President Trump quickly placed a temporary ban on refugees, citing national security, and also slashed the ceiling on refugees, so that only 54,000 were admitted. For 2018 (which runs from October 2017-September 2018) the ceiling is 45,000, the lowest number since 1980. At least 20 refugee offices nationwide are closing, and others have severely cut back. The vetting process, which was already stringent, has been made almost impossibly difficult. Estimates are that only 21,000 may be received.

There have been no terror attacks by refugees to the U.S. since 1980. Repeat, none. Given this administration’s dismal record, one can only assume that its intent is to close its doors to all but a select few.

Voices of generous America need to be heard. Look at the website for We Are All Americans. Urge legislators to support a bill (S.2145) co-sponsored by Senator Markey, the No Ban on Refugees Act.

Roderick MacDonald

Brewster