RCUSA Commemorates President Jimmy Carter’s Legacy on Refugee and Humanitarian Protection

Washington, DC – Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) celebrates the life of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and mourns his passing on December 29, 2024. President Carter served as a steadfast champion for refugee protection, human rights, and peace. He leaves behind an enduring legacy that paved the way for our nation’s capacity to welcome forcibly displaced people to safety.

“President Carter signed the bipartisan Refugee Act of 1980, landmark legislation that formalized the U.S. resettlement and asylum programs,” stated John Slocum, Executive Director of RCUSA. “Since 1980, the United States has welcomed around 3.7 million refugees, and today’s U.S. resettlement program serves as a standard of excellence around the world. Refugee resettlement and our humanitarian programs drive U.S. economic growth, advance global stability and peace, and support our national security and diplomatic priorities. President Carter’s vision and commitment to refugees reminds us that our national leaders can and should demonstrate bold leadership in upholding our moral and legal obligations to people who have been forced from their homes.”

RCUSA mourns President Carter’s passing and urges our national, state, and local elected leaders to live up to this legacy as a beacon of hope for those fleeing violence or persecution. As we face the worst displacement crisis in world history, let us remember that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

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.

Media contact: Mariam Sayeed, msayeed@rcusa.org

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