Recently, Fairhope City Councilman Corey Martin and Alabama State Representatives Travis Hendrix and Thomas Jackson, along with 475 other officials, submitted a heartfelt request to President Joe Biden for increased funding for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The refugee program is grossly underfunded, which is preventing refugees from being able to safely enter the U.S. They are advocating for additional federal support to help local communities more effectively welcome and assist refugees. This recognizes the valuable contributions refugees make to both the economy and the cultural life of their new homes. The officials are urging the administration to allocate more funding for the U.S. refugee program. That would ensure safe and effective resettlement.
The letter highlights the bipartisan support for refugee resettlement across the country. It emphasizes the important role refugees play in strengthening local economies and enriching communities. With the ongoing global refugee crisis, the officials stress the urgent need for a well-funded resettlement program. That would meet the current demands and challenges.
In their appeal, the officials call on the administration to invest in USRAP. It would ensure that the program remains effective and sustainable. They are committed to ensuring refugees have the resources and support they need to thrive in their new communities. They hope that this increased support will help maintain and enhance the program’s positive impact. Without adequate funding for the U.S. refugee program, the nation risks falling short in its commitment. Providing a safe haven for those fleeing crisis is essential.
These are president Bident’s final months in office. Funding the USRAP program would leave a lasting legacy for him in American history. This would reaffirm USA’s commitment to being a country that gives a safe haven to refugees and asylum seekers. It would show we put humanitarian values above all.