20 JUN 2023 

Immigration Hub Statement for World Refugee Day

Washington D.C –  Today on World Refugee Day, we commemorate the harrowing journeys of past and present undertaken by those fleeing persecution, conflict, or human rights violations. In 2022, nearly 110 million people were forced to leave their homes in search of safety, stability, and opportunity–a 21% increase over the previous year. The right to seek safety cannot be ignored.

Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, issued the following statement on World Refugee Day:

“Over the past 75 years, the international community has protected millions of refugees, established clear protection mechanisms, and provided humanitarian assistance. Unfortunately, today, these international protections are under severe stress. If we are to keep our commitment to protecting those fleeing for their lives, we need leadership from the U.S. government, the American people and allies who believe in the rights of those looking for refuge on our shores.

“Yet powerful forces on the far-right demonize refugees as threats, and too many politicians fall prey to the zero-sum, us vs. them narratives of those who would build walls rather than bridges. In the last administration, we witnessed the cruel war against refugees waged by then-President Trump and Stephen Miller. They decimated the U.S. refugee program and gutted the asylum system. They went so far as to order agents of the government to rip babies from the arms of parents in hopes of deterring the parents from seeking safety in America.

“Under the Biden-Harris administration, there has been progress to undo this damage. This administration has reunited hundreds of families, created more legal pathways for people seeking asylum, the refugee program also continues to be rebuilt, and tens of thousands of Ukrainians, Afghans, Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians and Nicaraguans have been admitted with humanitarian visas.

“However, much remains to be done to ensure those seeking safety and freedom are met with a system that is fair, compassionate and functional. Our own policies must reflect the high standards and leadership we have encouraged for refugee protections worldwide. This includes a well-resourced asylum system that does not turn away the most vulnerable, putting them in harm’s way. The American people have shown they are ready to do their part to help refugees settle into their new homes. It’s this kind of courage and strength of both refugees and the American family that make our whole nation stronger.

“Finally, today we honor the courage of the brave men, women and children who have made incredible journeys and chosen freedom over repression, safety over violence, and hope over despair. The movement of those who have to move is a testament to the indomitability of the human spirit. It is time to redouble our commitment to a welcoming world where refugees are not castaways from unstable states but valued members of the world community.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.