For Immediate Release: September 16, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

CITIES FOR ACTION LEADERS CALL ON BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO  REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO RESETTLING REFUGEES

33 mayors from across the country sent a letter to President Biden today urging the President to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to resettling refugees by at least maintaining the refugee admission goal for FY 2023, taking all necessary steps to meet that goal, and strengthening other humanitarian programs to assist individuals in need of protection from disasters, conflicts, oppression, and emergencies.

While the world is facing the greatest refugee crisis at any time in recorded history, with over 100 million people displaced worldwide, local leaders call on the Administration to do more to strengthen the United States Refugee Admissions Program and resettle at least 125,000 refugees in 2023.

Seattle, WA Mayor Bruce Harrell: “I am so proud to serve as mayor of a city that has long provided hope and opportunity to families fleeing war, violence, and turmoil. From Vietnamese refugees of the 1970s to Afghan and Ukrainian migrants today, Seattle will continue its tradition of welcoming immigrants who help build and enhance our vibrant and diverse communities. As mayor of a welcoming city, I hear from residents all over Seattle committed to actively supporting migrants and even providing shelter and assistance. It's this spirit of inclusivity from our community members that makes us One Seattle. I am joining leaders from municipalities across the country to urge our federal partners to uphold our nation’s longstanding commitment to those seeking safe haven. We stand ready to work with the Biden Administration to ensure immigrants continue to make Seattle and our entire country great.”

Somerville, MA Mayor Katjana Ballantyne: “Every refugee has a story. Each one was forced out of a home they loved in a community that gave them roots. We can and should give them a place to put down roots again, where they are not just tolerated but celebrated for surviving unimaginable circumstances and arriving to safety. It is the very best of what this country can be.”

State College, PA Mayor Ezra Nanes: “The bedrock of our community is the welcome that we provide to our fellow human beings here in State College. We applaud President Biden’s recognition of our shared support with the increase of the refugee cap to 125,000 for FY 2022.  We are very fortunate to live in a safe community in a nation that is not at war on its home soil, but we should always remember that it could be us if things were to change. We should always see ourselves in refugees who are seeking safety and security for themselves and their families, and as such, welcome them to our community.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LETTER

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About Cities for Action  

Cities for Action is a coalition of over 170 U.S. mayors and county executives working to advocate for and promote civic inclusion of our immigrant communities. Click HERE to see a list of Cities for Action mayors and county executives. To learn more about our work, follow us on Twitter.