RCUSA member executives call on Senate leadership to reject anti-asylum measures in funding bill

Washington, DC – Executives of 19 member organizations of Refugee Council USA (RCUSA)  today sent a letter to Leader Schumer and Leader McConnell opposing anti-asylum provisions included in the Senate’s proposed funding supplemental. RCUSA is a coalition representing leaders across the refugee protection field, including direct service providers, legal experts, and advocates. The RCUSA coalition is uniquely positioned to understand the human toll that would result from these policies should they be signed into law, and how they violate our moral and legal obligation to provide access to asylum for those fleeing persecution.

“Members of  our coalition are calling on Congress and the administration to reject any supplemental package which includes anti-asylum policies,” said RCUSA Executive Director John Slocum. “Particularly disappointing is how Senate leadership is aiming to trade protections for asylum seekers for other desperately needed policy measures. We face humanitarian crises around the world, including along the US southern border, but we need humane, comprehensive solutions that don’t block life-saving protections for those who need them.”

The full text of the letter to Senate leadership can be downloaded here.

Media Contact: Sarah Seniuk, sseniuk@rcusa.org

RCUSA is a diverse coalition advocating for just and humane laws and policies, and the promotion of dialogue and communication among government, civil society, and those who need protection and welcome. Individual RCUSA members do not all address all refugee-related issues, nor do all individual members approach common refugee-related issues identically

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