New name, same mission! LIRS is now Global Refuge. Learn more.

New name.
Same mission.

LIRS is now Global Refuge.

Welcoming newcomers since 1939.

See Our Evolution

The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Immigration and Asylum

Global Refuge Condemns Administrations Proposal to Let States and Cities Veto Refugee Admissions

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

August 23, 2019

Baltimore, MD – Following reports that the Trump Administration is considering a policy that would allow states and cities to reject refugees who have already been approved for resettlement, Global Refuge warns that doing so would undermine the U.S. Constitution and significantly harm communities across the nation that benefit economically and culturally from welcoming refugees.

“Immigration is firmly established as a federal issue, both in the Constitution and from centuries of judicial precedent. Ceding this responsibility to states and localities is an abdication of executive responsibility that dates back to our nation’s founding,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president & CEO of Global Refuge. “It’s unlawful, unconstitutional, and fundamentally un-American.”

“Communities of all kinds have historically embraced refugee resettlement – not simply because it is the right thing to do, but also because of the vast economic benefits that refugees bring,” continued Vignarajah, referring to research indicating that refugees contribute $63 billion more in state, local and federal taxes than they receive in benefits.

“Resettled refugees are doctors, entrepreneurs, small business owners—they fill a variety of needed jobs in a wide range of industries,” Vignarajah said. “They enrich the communities where they settle in so many ways.”

“Refugees are intensively screened by security agencies in an exhaustive process that involves DHS, FBI, DoD, DoS, HHS, and the wider U.S. intelligence community,” noted Vignarajah. “In fact, national security experts consistently warn that restricting refugee admissions is a grave risk to national security.”

The federal government must not abandon its responsibility to lead refugee resettlement in the best interest of the nation. Global Refuge strongly opposes any such proposal to weaken our resettlement program.

The Latest

  • Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

    September 30, 2024

    U.S. Resettles Most Refugees in Three Decades, Maintains FY 2025 Refugee Cap at 125,000

    The White House announced today that President Biden has officially signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Presidential Determination on refugee admissions, maintaining the annual cap at 125,000 refugees.

    Read More
  • News

    September 26, 2024

    How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration

    Learn how to talk to your kids about immigration from Global Refuge.

    Read More
  • News

    September 26, 2024

    Supporting Empowerment: A Donor’s Story

    "Matt is a proven leader, he understands the economic strength refugees bring to our communities, and he has compassion for welcoming newcomers,” said Jon Buuck, Global Refuge Senior Philanthropic Advisor. “We could not ask for a better partner in the work of welcome.” 

    Read More
  • News · Community Engagement

    September 25, 2024

    Global Refuge on WYPR: Combatting Misinformation about Immigrants

    Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of Global Refuge, joins WYPR for a discussion on the spread of misinformation about immigrants.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 19, 2024

    Global Refuge urges thoughtful immigration discussion at DNC

    We hope to hear a robust commitment to policies that respect the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, prioritize family unity, and reflect the enormous contributions these newcomers make

    Read More

Share