Recent reports have suggested that the U.S. Government is considering setting the refugee admissions number to zero. The current refugee admissions ceiling is at an all-time low of 30,000. The United States is quickly losing its place as a global leader in refugee resettlement and is abandoning its humanitarian commitment.

JRS/USA is deeply troubled by these reports and is concerned that the U.S. is turning away from refugees in need of safety, especially those who have been in process to travel to America for years. If enacted, a policy of admitting zero refugees would be devastating to thousands of refugees who have complied with all the requirements to seek safety in the United States. Based on Catholic social teaching, Jesuit values, and decades of experience of working with displaced people, JRS believes:

• Anyone who is fleeing for their life from violence or severe human rights violations has an inalienable right to seek protection in another country;
• Anyone who is fleeing for their life from violence or severe human rights violations has a right to be heard and have access to an asylum claim.

“Refugees take incredible risks to flee their homes for safety. They simply want to build a decent life for their families,” said Joan Rosenhauer, executive director at JRS/USA. “The U.S. should continue its long and proud history of welcoming refugees and offering them protection.”