The United States should remain committed to assisting refugees, particularly those who have been displaced by violence, said U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) and 16 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Our nation has a long history of standing up for human rights and supporting those who are facing persecution. In keeping with that tradition, we should be taking steps to admit more refugees,” Rep. Stivers said. “Columbus and Central Ohio have been welcoming places for refugees, and that is a trend I believe should continue.”
That sentiment was echoed in an Oct. 18 letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo by U.S. Reps. Stivers and 16 colleagues, including U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks (R-IN), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), John Katko (R-NY), Fred Upton (R-MI), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA).
The letter noted that of the roughly 20 million refugees worldwide, half of them are children, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
“Continued U.S. leadership is critical in addressing ongoing humanitarian crises caused by civil war and persecution and in assisting displaced persons,” the lawmakers wrote. “One area where America can lead is by creating and protecting de-escalation zones near war-torn countries and providing humanitarian assistance to people in need. We must also continue to accept and care for refugees here in America.”
The letter is the latest effort by Rep. Stivers in support of refugees. In August, he sent a bipartisan letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary Pompeo, and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan opposing federal cuts to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Additionally, Rep. Stivers is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2019, H.R. 2796/S. 1474, which would increase the number of Special Immigrant Visas available to foreign allies facing persecution for serving U.S. military forces as interpreters or other support staff. The bills remain under consideration in both houses of Congress.