There are 25 million refugees, including nearly 13 million children, in the world today who are fleeing unimaginable violence and persecution. Refugees are vetted rigorously and must meet strict requirements to be eligible for resettlement in the United States. Despite this, the Trump administration has reduced the U.S. refugee resettlement program by 80% and set this year’s refugee admissions goal at 18,000, the lowest level in U.S. history.
The School Sisters of Notre Dame are committed to seeking justice for immigrants - of whom refugees are the most vulnerable. We invite you to join SSNDs, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), and people of faith throughout the country in a national call-in day on Wednesday, January 15, to urge Members of Congress to co-sponsor the GRACE Act (S.1088 and H.R.2146). The GRACE Act would set a minimum refugee admissions goal at 95,000, the historic average since 1980, and increase congressional authority to hold the administration accountable to operate the resettlement program in good faith.
Call the Capitol Switchboard:(202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Representative and Senators.
(If you prefer to send an email, you can use our SSND Voter Voice tool.)
Sample Script:
“I’m a person of faith and your constituent from [CITY/TOWN] and I urge you to protect refugees and rebuild the U.S. refugee resettlement program by co-sponsoring the GRACE Act (S.1088/H.R.2146). The GRACE Act would restore the refugee resettlement program to the historic annual average of 95,000 and hold the administration accountable to operating the refugee resettlement program in good faith.
I believe we have a moral duty to protect those most vulnerable in our society, including the 25 million refugees (and 13 million children) in the world today who are fleeing unimaginable circumstances. Refugees have been duly vetted and will be a welcome addition to this nation and our communities. I urge you to reflect the best of our nation by co-sponsoring the GRACE Act. Thank you.”
Thank you for consideration of this request in support of this vulnerable population.
Respectfully,
The Shalom North America Contacts:
S. Arlene Flaherty, OP
S. Jeanne Wingenter, SSND
Kathleen Bonnette
S. Rose Mary Sander, SSND
Tim Dewane
