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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Refugee Admission Number Slashed Again

September 26, 2019, Washington, D.C. – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today expressed its outrage over the Trump Administration’s announcement lowering the refugee resettlement number from 30,000 to 18,000 for the fiscal year 2020, along with a new punitive Executive Order. Jody Rabhan, NCJW Chief Policy Officer, issued the following statement:

“For 40 years, the United States has welcomed refugees and asylum seekers and allowed them to escape persecution and build a better life. For the past two years, we have watched in horror as the Trump administration has cut the number of people who qualify for the resettlement program by an alarming 75%. Last September, in the face of the world’s worst refugee crisis, the admissions goal was set at 30,000 — the lowest in US history.

“This gutting of the refugee resettlement program is an all-out assault on refugees fleeing violence and persecution. The accompanying Executive Order allowing states and localities to veto resettlement is downright cruel. It flies in the face of our national promise to welcome the ‘huddled masses yearning to breathe free,’ as well as our Jewish duty to welcome the stranger.

“Congress must hold the administration accountable to its global commitment to refugees by ensuring the refugee resettlement program remain active and robust. Rather than closing our doors, we demand the administration resettle at least 95,000 refugees — the program’s historic average — next year. For 125 years, NCJW has worked to welcome refugees from across the globe fleeing violence and persecution. We will continue to march in the streets, rally in our communities, and work with our lawmakers to demand safety and dignity for all refugees around the world.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.