Our nation has a long history of welcoming people from around the world fleeing violence, insecurity and unrest. At the core of our Christian faith is the call to welcome the stranger and care for our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable. Many of our United Church of Christ congregations live out this call by actively helping to resettle refugee families in their communities.
The Trump Administration is poised to turn its back on this legacy by reducing the number of refugees to be resettled in 2018 from 95,000 to less than 50,000. This policy change is irresponsible and immoral. It threatens our national and global security, and goes against our faith teaching and our national values.
Conflict and climate change have created the world's refugee worst crisis in global history. There are more than 22 million refugees worldwide, including women, children and families. They have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their safety and security.
We cannot turn our backs on refugees seeking resettlement in the United States. We must continue to respond to the current refugee crisis by setting as a goal the resettlement of at least 75,000 refugees in 2018.
Tell Congress and the White House to stay true to our American values of hospitality and compassion, and to strengthen global security by protecting the U.S. resettlement program.