Background: THIS WEEK, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are working on an "Omnibus" appropriations bill that will likely include provisions to stop, pause and defund the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. This funding bill is being drafted as a number of Governors are attempting to stop the resettlement of Syrian refugees, and the House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 4038, The American Security against Foreign Enemies Act, which would grind to a halt the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. These actions and the anti-refugee sentiment that has accompanied them are morally reprehensible and go against who we are as a nation. It is critical that public officials hear from their constituents NOW as decisions are being made in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and state governments that will drastically impact the lives of refugees.
Congress is working on a funding bill that they must pass by December 18th to keep the government open.
Make your voice heard NOW! Tell Congress to say NO to any policy riders that would stop, pause or defund the resettlement of Syrian refugees.
Please take action TODAY:
Call your Representative & Senators:
1-866-961-4293 AND if you live in these states, call your Governor!
- Alabama: 334-242-7100
- Arizona: 520-628-6580 / 602-542-4331
- Arkansas: 501-682-2345
- Florida: 850-488-7146
- Georgia: 404-656-1776
- Idaho: 208-334-2100
- Illinois: 217-782-0244 / 312-814-2121
- Indiana: 317-232-4567
- Iowa: 515-281-5211
- Kansas: 785-296-3232
- Louisiana: 225-342-7015
- Maine: 207-287-3531 / 1-855-721-5203
- Maryland: 410-974-3901
- Massachusetts: 617-725-4005 / 413-784-1200 / 202-624-7713
- Michigan: 517-373-3400 & sign the letter!
- Mississippi: 601-359-3150
- Nebraska: 402-471-2244 / 308-660-9111 / 308-632-1370
- Nevada: 775-684-5670 / 702-486-2500
- New Hampshire: 603-271-2121
- New Jersey: 609-292-6000
- New Mexico: 505-476-2200
- North Carolina: 919-814-2000
- North Dakota: 703-328-2200
- Ohio: 614-466-3555
- Oklahoma: 405-521-2342
- South Carolina: 803-734-2100
- South Dakota: 605-773-3212
- Tennessee: 615-741-2001 & sign the letter!
- Texas: 800-843-5789 / 512-463-1782
- Wisconsin: 608-266-1212
- Wyoming: 307-777-7434
--Tell your Governor's office that as a constituent, you want to help WELCOME Syrian refugees and that you're against their calls to reject Syrian refugees.
-- Tell your Senator's office that as a constituent, you OPPOSE bills and policy riders to the "Omnibus" appropriations bill that would stop, pause or defund the resettlement of Syrian refugees, or only allow Christians to be resettled.
-- Tell your Representative's office that as a constituent, you OPPOSE H.R. 4038 and policy riders to the "Omnibus" appropriations bill that would stop, pause or defund the resettlement of Syrian refugees, or only allow Christians to be resettled.
Sample Script
"I'm a constituent from [City] and I support Syrian refugees. I am opposed to any bill or provision in the upcoming funding bill that would stop or halt the resettlement of refugees based on their nationality or religion. I urge the Senator / Representative / Governor to represent me and other constituents who seek to welcome Syrian refugees."
Though some cite concerns about refugees being a concern to national security, refugees are actually the most heavily screened individuals entering the United States. Here are some helpful points on the security process, but the most important point is your story and why your community wants to welcome Syrian refugees:
- The U.S. government handpicks the refugees who resettle here, and the U.S. resettlement process has the most rigorous screening process in the world.
- Refugees are the most thoroughly vetted people to come to the United States, undergoing interagency screenings by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Department of Defense and multiple intelligence agencies, including biometric checks, forensic document testing, medical tests and in-person interviews.
- Continuing refugee resettlement while maintaining national security is not an either/or situation. The United States can continue to welcome refugees while also continuing to ensure national security. We can and must do both.
You can also tweet your
Members of Congress and your network using the sample post below and a photo of yourself or your community:
".@REPRESENTATIVE, Our community is ready to welcome #Syrian #refugees. #RefugeesWelcome #AmericaWelcomes!"
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