Global Refuge Reaffirms Commitment to Refugees and Immigrants as Nation Prepares for New Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024
Contact: Timothy Young | timothy.young@globalrefuge.org

Washington, D.C. – In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, Global Refuge remains steadfast in its mission to serve vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities across the United States. As the nation’s largest faith-based nonprofit dedicated exclusively to serving children, refugees, and other immigrants, Global Refuge is committed to continuing its work to provide safety, support, and a sense of belonging to vulnerable children and families, regardless of political leadership.

“Given President-elect Trump’s record on immigration and promises to suspend refugee resettlement, restrict asylum protections, and carry out mass deportations, we know there are serious challenges ahead for the communities we serve,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge. “We also believe in the possibility of progress and urge the incoming administration to consider the immense value that immigrants and refugees bring to our nation. Wherever possible, we stand ready to collaborate on policies that uphold America’s humanitarian obligations, honor the principle of family unity, and strengthen the vitality of our economy and workforce. For example, we urge President-elect Trump to uphold his promise to protect persecuted religious minorities through refugee resettlement and honor his pledge to grant lawful permanent residency to foreign-born graduates of U.S. universities.”

Global Refuge encourages Americans to join in supporting immigrants and refugees, emphasizing the importance of family unity, humanitarian leadership, and the long-standing benefits of immigrant and refugee contributions to U.S. communities and economies.

“In uncertain times, it is vital to remember that our role as Americans is to help those in need, and in doing so, we advance our own interests as well,” said Vignarajah. “We are driven by values that are as old as our nation itself — those of compassion, resilience, and a commitment to protecting the dignity of every person. We will continue our work undeterred, ensuring that those in dire need of safety find refuge, opportunity, and community on America’s golden shores.”

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About us: 

Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. For 85 years, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe. At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn’t just our duty—it’s an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values, and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge.