Suspending Foreign Assistance Funding Causes Unimaginable Harm to Refugees and Forcibly Displaced People in the United States and Overseas
January 25, 2025
Washington, DC – RCUSA is outraged by news that the Trump administration suddenly froze funding for U.S. foreign assistance, including for critical reception services for resettled refugees, as well as humanitarian assistance for forcibly displaced people and vulnerable communities experiencing violence, persecution, and exploitation overseas.
“Reports that the State Department ordered resettlement agencies to discontinue reception and placement services that provide housing and subsistence support for newly-arrived refugees is unfathomably cruel. This unprecedented decision undermines our moral and legal obligations to those we promised to protect – and to the communities who welcome them. These core services serve as a lifeline for resettled refugees and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders who assisted the U.S. mission. Since January 20th, President Trump and his administration have caused a level of undue suffering and hardship beyond what we have ever seen. Local resettlement offices and their communities of volunteers already have the capacity, expertise, and resources to serve. We urge the Trump administration to immediately reverse course: Revoke the stop work orders, rescind the refugee and foreign aid bans, and swiftly resume refugee processing and admissions. History will look back and wish we had restored this life-saving humanitarian program that advances our U.S. security, foreign policy, and diplomatic interests,” said John Slocum, Executive Director of Refugee Council USA.
Media contact: Mariam Sayeed, msayeed@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. This statement does not necessarily reflect the views of each individual RCUSA member organization.
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