Washington, DC – In response to the Trump administration’s evisceration of the U.S. refugee resettlement program, Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) and sixteen other Republican Members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging the administration to “maintain the United States’ longstanding commitment to assist refugees.”
“Continued U.S. leadership is critical in addressing ongoing humanitarian crises caused by civil war and persecution and in assisting displaced persons,” they wrote. “One area where America can lead is by creating and protecting de-escalation zones near war-torn countries and providing humanitarian assistance to people in need. We must also continue to accept and care for refugees here in America.”
Describing why he led the effort, Rep. Buck evoked his faith and patriotism: “As a Christian, I believe we should assist those who are forced to flee their homes, and as Americans, I believe we should do everything we can to assist these refugees around the world.”
The full list of signers (by state): Colorado (Ken Buck, Doug Lamborn, Scott Tipton); Florida (Mario Diaz-Balart); Georgia (Rob Woodall); Indiana (Susan W. Brooks); Michigan (Bill Huizenga, Fred Upton); New Jersey (Christopher H. Smith); New York (John Katko); Ohio (Steve Stivers); Pennsylvania (Brian Fitzpatrick); Utah (John Curtis, Chris Stewart); Washington (Jaime Herrera Beutler, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dan Newhouse)
This letter follows a bipartisan letter from Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE), a bipartisan letter from the bipartisan Congressional Refugee Caucus led by Congressman Neguse (D-CO) and signed by Congressmen Diaz Balart (R-FL), Stivers (R-OH), and Katko (R-NY), and a letter by Colorado Democrats in September. The House of Representatives also unanimously approved a resolution in support of refugees, H.Res. 444, just two days before the President’s FY 2020 refugee cut was announced. Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) led the effort, and the bill passed with universal Republican and Democratic support.
“As a denomination that has long welcomed refugees, we are proud to see the support of these congressional leaders for a robust refugee resettlement program,” stated Rev. Reggie Smith, Director of the Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice. “Welcoming the stranger is not a call to just one political party or another – it is a biblical call to all of us.” Rev. Smith is based in Michigan.
“True leadership is best exemplified by being on the right side of history, not necessarily your side of the aisle,” said Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO of Church World Service. “That’s what Representative Buck and his partners are showing with this letter. They remember the long bipartisan tradition in this country of supporting refugees, and know that America is at its best when it stands for the vulnerable and defenseless. Secretary Pompeo thus far hasn’t listened to reason from those on the other side of the aisle; hopefully he’ll listen to those on his.” Rev. McCullough is based in New York.
“Pope Francis has said, ‘It’s hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help,’” said Patrick Carolan, Executive Director of the Franciscan Action Network. “We are so grateful that Representative Buck and his fellow GOP members chose to follow their faith with the recent letter to the administration supporting higher refugee admissions. We must remember we are a nation of immigrants and refugees and are called to stand in solidarity with them. Thank you, Representative Buck, for your leadership.”
“Thank you Congressman Buck for putting people first and calling on the Trump Administration to increase refugee resettlement in the United States and reduce the backlog of asylum seekers,” said Lawrence E. Couch, Executive Director of the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. “Thank you, also, for bringing your faith into the public square and centering your concern for the migrant on your Christian faith.”
“It is a core part of the Quaker faith to welcome others with love and compassion. Without the bipartisan leadership and commitment to refugees that established the resettlement program, America would not be as strong as it is and millions of lives would never have been transformed,” stated Hannah Graf Evans, lead for refugee policy for the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “In the face of the ruthless dismantling of this protection program, we welcome this renewed congressional call to welcome refugees.”
“As members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), whose Colorado pastors and Regional Minister recently had the opportunity to visit with Congressman Buck and share our long-term passion for refugees in Colorado and throughout the country, we are deeply grateful for Congressman Buck’s courageous leadership among fellow Republicans in naming the vast contributions refugees offer to our nation, communities, and congregations. Your vision upholds the best of our national and faith values of hospitality and care for the world’s most vulnerable,” said Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Disciples Refugee and Immigration Ministries Director.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 53 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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