Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the statement in observance of World Refugee Day:
“UN World Refugee Day is observed every year on June 20th to emphasize the overwhelming rate of displacement across the globe. We mark World Refugee Day today knowing that more than 68.5 million people have been forced from their homes by war, persecution, or violence. Last year alone, more than 44,000 people were forced to flee their homes every single day.
“Despite this overwhelming need, the United States has failed to meet its responsibilities to the international community. In admitting just 14,000 refugees so far this year, our country has continued to turn a blind eye to a global humanitarian emergency. The Trump Administration has withdrawn the United States from international agreements, damaging our standing across the globe and leaving millions of desperate women and children to fend for themselves.
“Having visited numerous refugee camps, I can personally attest to the importance of offering protection to those who have been displaced. Rather than implementing abhorrent policies like family separation or arbitrarily capping the number of refugees admitted to our country, President Trump must reassure the world that the United States – a country whose story has been written by those fleeing oppression – will not abandon the world’s most vulnerable populations. We gain nothing from draconian immigration policies.”
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
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