World Refugee Day falls on Sunday, June 20th, and marks an opportunity to celebrate refugees while also continuing advocacy for them. Refugees flee from persecution based on race, religion, nationality, and membership to a social group or political party. They are one of the most vulnerable populations in the world as they cannot trust their own country to protect them. 

While organizations and programs across the world work tirelessly to bring refugees to safety through resettlement, they are working with limited resources. Their work has been further hindered by the actions of the Trump Administration, such as lowering the cap on refugee admissions to 15,000 for the 2021 fiscal year. This quota is an underwhelming response to the 79.5 million people forced to flee their homes, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 

As resettlement agencies rebuild themselves after the last administration's and COVID's attacks, the Biden administration along with Congress must rebuild the United States Refugee Admissions Programs. By doing so, the United States can live up to Emma Lazarus' words engraved on the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island—embracing the world's huddled masses, yearning to breathe free. 

To learn more and support refugee organizations, visit: 

USA Refugee Council: https://rcusa.org/

International Rescue Committee: https://rescue.org/

InterAction: https://www.interaction.org/

This article is provided as an educational service and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for your specific circumstances.  For a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration situation and options, you are invited to call us at 214-494-8033 or complete our contact form.