On First Anniversary of Trump's Travel Ban, Blumenthal Calls on Congress to Commit to Refugee Resettlement

Press Release

Following the first anniversary of President Trump's executive order barring immigrants from majority-Muslim countries from entering the United States, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced a resolution calling on Congress to show leadership by reaffirming the United States' commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees fleeing oppression. President Trump issued the first of three executive orders banning refugees, immigrants, and visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries to the United States on January 27, 2017. Although the Supreme Court is currently reviewing the third iteration of the President's Muslim travel ban, the latest executive order has been allowed to go into effect until a ruling is issued.

"In the year since President Trump first signed his travel ban, the Administration and its allies have turned their backs on the worst refugee crisis in modern history," said Blumenthal. "This resolution will tell the world -- especially refugees fleeing oppression -- that Congress stands firm in America's commitment to the moral and geopolitical good done by opening our nation's doors to such immigrants."

As the global displacement crisis continues to worsen -- with more than 22,500,000 refugees worldwide -- the resolution directs the United States to commit to resettle 45,000 refugees next year, and 75,000 refugees the year afterwards. In spite of a 45,000 refugee resettlement target imposed by the Trump administration, the United States is on track to admit just between 15,000 and 20,000 refugees this year.

Blumenthal introduced this resolution with U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Patty Murray (D-WA). The resolution is supported by 62 advocacy groups, including the Immigration and Refugee Program at Church World Service.

"Our faith traditions teach us to welcome the stranger and love thy neighbor, and the U.S. refugee resettlement program is the embodiment of those values," said CWS President and CEO Reverend John L. McCullough. "As we face the worst refugee crisis in our memory with more than 22 million refugees worldwide, it is a critical time for the United States to demonstrate leadership in protecting the most vulnerable - regardless of where they come from or what faith they practice. We call on the administration to resettle at least 45,000 refugees to meet this year's refugee admissions goal - already the lowest ceiling in our history - and commit to resettling at least 75,000 refugees next year. Any less would violate our nation's principles of compassion, hospitality, and welcome."

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