A year ago Americans came together to stand up for what they believed in: an America that builds bridges, not walls, and welcomes others rather than bans them. You, your friends, family, and your community mobilized at airports across the country demanding safety for parents and children desperately seeking protection and hoping to reunite with families here in the U.S.

We need your help again.  Call 1-855-472-8930 to reach your Members of Congress and demand safety for parents and children seeking protection.

This week marks one year since the Trump Administration instated the refugee ban- the first ever in the history of this country. This ban halted the travel to safety of thousands of refugees who had completed the rigorous vetting process, preventing many of them from reuniting with families here in the U.S.  Equally destructive have been the subsequent bans resulting in repeated stops and starts to resettlement throughout 2017 and into 2018 amidst ongoing court battles.

Ali – a refugee from Darfur, Sudan who resettled in Maryland with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ - is just one of many whose family has been torn apart by these cruel policy decisions. Ali was separated from his wife and son during the ongoing war in Darfur. Having spent more than two years undergoing a rigorous vetting process in Sudan, his wife and child were finally approved for travel to the U.S. last year. But as they eagerly waited for their visas to be issued, the refugee family reunification program was suddenly suspended indefinitely. The family lives in limbo, anxiously waiting to be reunited, unsure what the future holds.

However, you can make a difference. Your voice gives them the hope that one day families can be reunited. 

But the fight is not over

Refugee families continue to be left in harm’s way by arbitrary bans and administrative barriers. This runs contrary to American values that prioritize family and providing safety to those fleeing danger and persecution.  

Congress needs to know that you are still fighting for refugee resettlement

As we mark the one year anniversary of the first refugee ban, ask your Member of Congress to fight for refugees.  Join us, and communities around the country, as we #Standwithrefugees. Communities continue to stand up for this proud tradition and are eagerly waiting to welcome more new American families.

 

Call Your Member of Congress Today

 

Dial 1-855-472-8930 to be connected to your member of Congress. Here's a sample of what to say:

My name is [Your First and Last Name] and I am calling from [Your City and State]. A year ago the Trump Administration issued the first refugee ban, a cruel decision which stalled the refugee resettlement program and prevented desperate parents and children from accessing safety here in the United States- many of whom were seeking to reunite with family already here.  I’m calling to ask you to tell the President that you oppose the ongoing refugee ban and any further attempts to keep these families apart.

 

You can also share this message on social media. Examples:

 

Twitter: I #StandWithrefugees & @the̽»¨¾«Ñ¡. Join me. Call 1-855-472-8930 & tell Congress you still oppose the #RefugeeBan after 1 year of family separation & demand refugee admissions now! #RefugeesWelcome act.rescue.org
 
Facebook: BREAKING: This week marks one year since the first #RefugeeBan. Call Congress and remind them why we #StandWithrefugees!  Join our movement by CALLING 1-855-472-8930 or visiting act.rescue.org. Support the thousands asking Congress to fight for refugees. Urge them to tell the President that they support refugee resettlement and that American communities believe in the proud tradition of welcoming new American families
 

Article Credit: Laura Brown