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White House Refugee Ban Allowed by U.S. Supreme Court
Syrian refugee family arrives at Lambert International Airport in fall 2016. - Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
On June 20 cities around our nation observed World Refugee Day to raise public awareness about the plight of refugees around the world. Today, less than a week later, the U.S. Supreme Court has handed down its decision allowing the White House to impose a temporary ban on travelers from six majority-Muslim countries and on all refugees without bonafide ties to the U.S.
The court has agreed to decide the legality of the ban in October. In the meantime, we await direction from the U.S. State Department regarding which refugees from where will still be admitted - and when. We will continue to offer our assistance to those permitted to come.
America has a long history as a nation of immigrants, especially as a safe haven for those fleeing persecution. We at the International Institute of St. Louis are deeply saddened by the inevitable consequences, which will result from the court's action. Our hearts go out to the refugee families, now barred from admission to the U.S. even temporarily. This could well be a death sentence, especially for some with serious medical conditions.
Refugee newcomers are more afraid today than they were yesterday. Please reach out and comfort them as the opportunity arises. They would greatly appreciate a smile or welcoming gesture.
Sadly,
Anna
Anna Crosslin
President & CEO


International Institute of St. Louis | (314) 773-9090 | info.iistl.org | www.iistl.org