Reacting to news that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to set the refugee admissions number to 30,000 for Fiscal year 2019, Ryan Mace, Grassroots Advocacy and Refugee Specialist at Amnesty International USA said:
“The Trump administration is abandoning this country’s promise to refugees.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates another undeniable political attack against people who have been forced to flee their homes.
“This is the lowest goal in the history of the program, and compounded by this administration’s history of creating road block after road block for refugees to arrive, this must be perceived as an all-out attack against our country’s ability to resettle refugees both now and in the future.
“There is absolutely no excuse for not accepting more refugees in the coming year.”
“We urge Congress to make clear their opposition to this, especially as they finalize FY19 appropriations.”
Background:
Every year, the President determines the number of refugees who should be resettled to the US in the upcoming fiscal year, signaling US commitment to protect those fleeing violence and persecution. Last year, President Trump lowered the refugee admissions quota to 45,000, marking the lowest refugee goal since the Refugee Act was enacted in 1980.
Under the administration of President George W. Bush, following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the presidential determination was set at 70,000. During a tragic moment, the administration still recognized the importance of strong U.S. support for refugee protection. Since 1980, the yearly refugee goal has averaged 95,000 persons.
