EPPN: Senate voting on bill to stop Syrian and Iraqi resettlementPosted Jan 19, 2016 |
[Episcopal Public Policy Network policy alert] The U.S. Senate plans to vote this Wednesday, January 20th on H.R. 4038, “The American Security against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act,” which would grind to a halt the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. This bill was passed by the House of Representatives in November, so it is critical that it not pass the Senate. Through Episcopal Migration Ministries, The Episcopal Church has proudly resettled refugees for over 75 years. We need your voice today to protect this life-giving ministry.
Call your Senators TODAY: Urge them to vote NO to H.R. 4038 and any legislation that would stop, pause or defund the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
Dial 1-866-940-2439
Sample Script: “I’m a constituent from [State] and I support the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. As an Episcopalian, I am proud to welcome refugees into my community and believe that, as a nation, it is our moral duty to do so. I am opposed to any bill that would stop or pause the resettlement of refugees of any nationality or religion. I urge the Senator to vote NO to H.R. 4038, The American SAFE Act.”
Below are some helpful points on the security checks involved in refugee resettlement, which is the focus of this legislation. The most important points to mention, however, are your story and why your community wants to welcome Syrian refugees.
- The U.S. government handpicks the refugees who resettle here, and the U.S. resettlement process has the most rigorous screening process in the world.
- Refugees are the most thoroughly vetted people to come to the United States, undergoing interagency screenings by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Department of Defense, National Counter Terrorism Center and multiple intelligence agencies, including biometric checks, forensic document testing, medical tests and in-person interviews.
- Continuing refugee resettlement while maintaining national security is not an either/or situation. The United States can continue to welcome refugees while also continuing to ensure national security. We can and must do both.
You can also tweet your Senators and your network using the sample post below and a photo of yourself or your community: “.@SENATOR, Our community is ready to welcome #Syrian #refugees. Vote NO to H.R. 4038. #RefugeesWelcome #AmericaWelcomes!”
Follow @TheEPPN and @EMMRefugees on Twitter and “like” Episcopal Public Policy Network and Episcopal Migration Ministries on Facebook for up-to-date alerts.
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